WORLD WATER DAY, 22 March at UNCC, Bangkok

THEME : WATER AND DEVELOPMENT

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- "Water and Development" will be the topic for discussion by well-known regional experts on World Water Day - 22 March at UN ESCAP.

"The programme is targeted to increase awareness of the importance of water for development," said, a UNESCAP spokesperson.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan in his message for the 2002 World Water Day noted the problems arising from lack of access to water which include disease caused by pollution and poverty and the potential for conflict arising from water related issues.

He emphasized that the world's water problems can serve as a catalyst for cooperation, locally, globally, and internationally.

The World Water Day programme of UNESCAP will focus on the Mekong River as a "resource", with the Mekong River Commission Executive Director, Mr. Joern Kristensen taking part as a panelist. The importance of sources such as "watersheds" will be highlighted by FAO's Mr. Mazazuki Kashio, Forest Resources Officer for Asia and the Pacific. Steve van Beek, author and documentary film maker will speak from an explorer's viewpoint.

A second panel will discuss "Water and Conflict", and the Mekong River as a transboundary entity. Dr. Soparat Charusombat, lecturer from the Political Science Faculty, Thammasat University, will discuss Water from the viewpoint of Peace and Mr. Le Huu Ti, Economic Affairs Officer of UNESCAP will speak about Negotiating Over Water: From Potential Conflict to Cooperation Potential.

Also participating in the programme are a representative of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Third World Water Forum .

A special session in the afternoon for students will include a report on the Chao Phraya River Basin Study by Khun Surapol Pattanee, Director of Policy and Planning at the National Water Resources Committee, Office of the Prime Minister, Thailand.The Chao Phraya has been chosen as one of the seven major river basin studies worldwide and is coordinated by UNESCO.

The UNESCAP is mandated to mark the annual World Day of Water, first instituted following the "Rio" Conference on Sustainable Development in 1992. This year, in the run up to the Johannesburg Summit 2002 or World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) on 26 August - 4 September, Johannesburg, South Africa,-- the World Water Day is especially significant.

Note for Editors: You and your colleagues are invited to attend the observance of
"World Water Day, 22 March 2002 at conference room 3 of the United Nation Conference Centre (UNCC), Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok. There will be ample time for discussion and questions from the press will be welcome.
0845 - 12.00 Main Programme
13.00 - 15.00 Student's Programme

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