INTERNATIONAL FRESHWATER FORUM TO BE HELD IN DUSHANBE,
TAJIKISTAN 29 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER
NEW YORK, 21 August (DESA) -- The Government of Tajikistan, which introduced the General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater, is organizing the Dushanbe International Freshwater Forum from 29 August to 1 September 2003.� Tajikistan is hosting this major event under the broader theme of “Water, Environment and Security”.� The Forum will feature plenary sessions with presentations by highly recognized speakers, panel discussions, a high level/ministerial segment, technical working group meetings, a number of side events with presentations by international and national organizations and non-governmental organizations, and a “World of Water” exhibition presenting the accomplishments of countries, international organizations and private enterprises in the field of water.� The following themes will be discussed during the Forum:
-- Water and interstate cooperation;
-- Water, health and sanitation;
-- Water conservation and productivity in agriculture; and
-- Information sharing for strengthening water partnership.
The United Nations Secretary-General has designated Anwarul Chowdhury, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States to represent him at the Forum.� The Government of Tajikistan has invited government officials from different continents, key water specialists and experts and representatives of international and non-governmental organizations to participate in the Forum.� The National Organizing Committee and the National Working Group have developed a website, www.freshwaterforum.org, which contains the Forum Programme and other information relevant for participants.
For more information contact:� Manuel Dengo, Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), tel.: 212-963-4208.
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