 |
| Wednesday, 10 September 2008, 15:11 HKT | |
| |  | |
Source: Singapore International Water Week | |
|
|
|
Singapore, Sept 10, 2008 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore's national water agency, PUB, has produced an aptly-named Blue Paper, following the resounding success of the inaugural Singapore International Water Week this year. The Paper underscores the importance of finding sustainable solutions to the world's water and used water problems.
It was launched by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Singapore's Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, at the International Water Association's (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition in Vienna, Austria, this morning. This event was attended by some 3,000 water experts from around the world.
The 11-page document summarises major water issues raised during the Water Leaders Summit as well as the dialogue with Singapore's Minister Mentor, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, during the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize Award Ceremony held on 25 June 2008. It was written with the help of staff and graduate students of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, through its Institute of Water Policy.
Water issues addressed in the Blue Paper
Growth of cities: City-planning all over the world poses common challenges' infrastructure, demand for resources and environmental degradation. Tackling these challenges needs action on different fronts' political commitment, development of new technologies and greater private sector participation in financing.
Limited clean water resources: Good governance is fundamental to sound water management. Cities need to take an integrated approach by harnessing business, technology and government with sound, market-driven sustainable policies.
Cost of ignoring Nature's laws: Cities and countries need to find a balance between ecology and economic development. The prevention of water pollution and protection of the environment needs to keep pace with economic progress.
Technological advancements: Reverse osmosis and membrane technologies have made desalination, water recycling and other purification techniques cheaper. Governments are in a good position to influence and sustain extensive and large-scale research & development by providing leadership, strategic planning and support.
Addressing the Congress on the impact of urbanisation, increasing economic growth and fast growing cities on the provision of water services, Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said, 'The Blue Paper notes that improvements in technology can certainly help, but these technological improvements are not translating into practical water solutions for cities because of poor governance.'
The Blue Paper urges political and social leaders to do the following:
1. find political commitment and determination at the multilateral, national and local levels to implement tough decisions.
2. support the development of new water technologies and on-the-ground adaptation of such technologies; and
3. foster win-win partnerships between the private and public sectors.
To help the public better appreciate and understand the challenges in obtaining clean, fresh water in an increasingly urbanised world, the Blue Paper is available to all at the Singapore International Water Week's website:
www.siww.com.sg
About Singapore International Water Week
The Singapore International Water Week is the global platform for water solutions. It brings policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners together to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities and celebrate achievements in the water world. Comprising the Water Leaders Summit, Water Convention, Water Expo and Business Forums, it culminates in the presentation of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, a prestigious international award to recognise outstanding contributions in solving global water issues. The 5th Singapore International Water Week, themed "Water Solutions for Liveable and Sustainable Cities", will be held from 1 to 5 July 2012, in conjunction with the 3rd World Cities Summit and the inaugural CleanEnviro Summit Singapore. For more information, plase visit www.siww.com.sg.
Contact:
Feisal A Rahman
Account Director
DID: +65 6327 3565
HP: +65 96751517
Email: feisal@bang.com.sg
Lee Ling Ling
Consultant
DID: +65 6327 3561
HP: +65 9647 8917
Email: lingling@bang.com.sg
Wong Mai Yun : wong_mai_yun@pub.gov.sg
Sally Toh: sally_toh@pub.gov.sg
Yeo Li Li: yeo_li_li@pub.gov.sg
Source: Singapore International Water Week
Topic: Corporate Announcement
http://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
Copyright © 2012 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Singapore International Water Week |
|
| Mar 8, 2012 19:00 HKT |
| Environmental Biotechnologist wins Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2012 |
|
| Dec 18, 2011 14:00 HKT |
| Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2012 Receives 61 Nominations |
|
| Sept 5, 2011 18:18 HKT |
| Singapore International Water Week Launches Blue Paper and Solutions |
|
| July 12, 2011 13:50 HKT |
| Fourth Singapore International Water Week Surges to New High |
|
| July 11, 2011 11:00 HKT |
| International Experts Commend Progress of Research & Development in Singapore's Water Industry |
|
| July 7, 2011 16:15 HKT |
| Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Develops Revolutionary Wastewater Treatment Plant for L'Oreal |
|
| July 7, 2011 15:40 HKT |
| Joint Singapore International Water Week and Black & Veatch Event Identifies Water Pressures Industry Must Solve Together |
|
| July 6, 2011 21:00 HKT |
| 6th World Water Forum "Time for Solutions" at the Singapore International Water Week |
|
| July 6, 2011 17:30 HKT |
| PUB and Hyflux Mark Ground-breaking for Singapore's Second and Largest Desalination Project |
|
| July 6, 2011 11:50 HKT |
| Sembcorp Signs Agreements to Further Expand its Water Business in China |
|
| More news >> |
|
|
|
|
)
