Theme : Water and Disasters
Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- "Water
and Disasters: Be Informed and Be Prepared" will be the
theme topic for discussions to observe both the World Water
Day (22 March) and the World Meteorological Day (23 March)
at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok
on Monday, 22 March 2004.
Experts from UN agencies, inter-governmental organizations,
non-governmental organizations and youth groups will provide
perspectives on water and disasters.
This year, the World Meteorological Day, which falls on 23
March 2004 will also be observed under the theme "Weather,
Climate and Water in the Information Age".
The programme of the Day will include the launch of "the
Flood Guidelines" by Mr. John A. Harding, Programme Officer,
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
(UNISDR). A Panel discussion on "Water and Disasters"
will be organized. Panelists include Mr. Ti Le-Huu, Economic
Affairs Officer, UNESCAP; Mr. Bun Veasna, Programme Officer,
Flood Management and Mitigation Programme, Mekong River Commission;
Mr. Zhijun Chen, Water Resources Development and Conservation
Officer, FAO; Mr. Huub van Wees, Economic Affairs Officer,
UNESCAP; and Mr. Steve Wheeler, Technical Director, Thames
Water International (Thailand) Ltd.
The afternoon session will be focused on "Youth and
Water". A youth group led by Dr. Saowalak Ratanawich,
District Governor 3350, Rotary International will discuss
on the topic of mobilizing involvement of the youth on Water
Conservation: Means to Reduce Water Related Disasters and
Providing Safe Water for Disadvantaged Rural Communities in
Thailand.
The goal for World Water Day 2004 is to remind everybody
that concrete efforts to provide clean drinking water and
increase awareness worldwide of the problems and of the solutions,
can help make a difference.
For more details, please visit: http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/water/index.html.
You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend
the World Water Day observance on Monday, 22 March 2004 from
8.45 am - noon, Conference Room 3, United Nation Conference
Center (UNCC), Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. David Lazarus, Chief, United Nations Information Services,
UNESCAP, United Nations Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue,
Bangkok 10200, Thailand.
Tel: (+66) 02 288 1864-9; Fax: (66+2) 2881052, E-mail: unisbkk.unescap@un.org
