Conference on Water and Sustainable Development - Role of Youth

Go Back

To mark the World Water Day (WWD) 2015, the Planning Commission, Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform the Government of Pakistan, ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) and many other multi-stakeholders jointly organized a conference on March 27 focusing on this year's global theme, 'Water and Sustainable Development - Role of Youth for Sustainable Water Resource Management'. Other partner organizations included World Youth Parliament of Water (WYPW), UNESCO, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Pakistan Water Partnership (PWP), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNICEF, FAO-UN, UN-HABITAT, Plan International, Muslim Aid, Helping Hand for Relief and Development, GLOF Pakistan, UNDP, RSPN, ICARDA, Riphah University and WaterAid.

The conference aimed at sensitization of key stakeholders on critical water issues and challenges; engaging stakeholders especially youth; advocating with the Government of Pakistan for approval of National Water Policy and building consensus for the adoption of Islamabad Water Day Declaration 2015'.

Sardar Tariq, Chief Executive of Pakistan Water Partnership while delivering a message on behalf of President Islamic Republic of Pakistan said that investments in water and sanitation services results in substantial economic gains. He emphasized that water is crucially important for the socio-economic sustenance and development of any country especially for Pakistan that has agriculture based economy. He mentioned that water resources of the country are subject to all kinds of quantitative and qualitative issues, which need to be addressed on priority basis.

Speaking at the inaugural session as Chief Guest, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning Development and Reforms said that water is the key element for the socio-economic development of any country.

He said that we must not only view sustainability as a problem of science, engineering, or economics; it is also founded on values, ethics, and the equal contributions of different cultures. He also emphasized that our country is blessed with human capital in the form of youth which comprises about 50 percent of the population and engaging Youth for Integrated Water Resource Management must be a foremost part of our water resources strategy. While quoting quotation of Dr. Mahbub ul Haq, he said "Sustainable development is a question of quality of life for the rich countries but is question of life for the poor countries".

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Manzoor H. Soomro, President ECOSF, in his remarks, said that the water is a primary source of life for every living being which denotes the importance of water. If no water, no life. He further said that it is the duty of today's generations to save the water for today as well as for future generations. President ECOSF appreciated the engagement of the youth for this noble cause and said that engaging youth in this noble cause will definitely bring positive results. Prof. Soomro further said that the water is not only issue of Pakistan but it is issue of ECO region and whole the world and emphasized to take onboard to ECO region as well. He appreciated the presence of Ambassadors of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan which showed their interest in the conference.

Mr. Bart Devos, President of World Youth Parliament for Water said "Access to clean water and sanitation as well as water scarcity, are among the most pressing challenges for my generation.. The creation of Pakistan Youth Parliament for Water will contribute to unlocking the potential of Pakistani young people as solution provider for the water problems"

The Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Sher Ali S. Jananov congratulated the organizers for organizing such a remarkable water conference and informed the participants that for realization of this important cause, Tajikistan has planned a water conference in June 2015.

The conference was also addressed by Cooperation Attache of French Embassy, Mr Olivier Huynh-Van, Ms. Mukta Akter Representative of GWP Bangladesh.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Vibeke Jensen, Representative/ Director, UNESCO Islamabad highlighted that a total of 748 million people worldwide still do not have access to improved drinking water sources and quality water. While highlighting the critical role that Youth can play in participating in developing their countries in a sustainable manner she also stressed the academia to pay more attention to water research and its sustainable management. She mentioned that UNESCO Supports research and concrete projects on water related issues through its International Hydrological Programme (IHP), which is the only intergovernmental programme of the UN system devoted to water research, water resource' management, and education and capacity building.

After the inaugural session, a technical session was conducted and presentations regarding importance of water and issues/challenges were made. After the presentations, the participants were divided into 5 groups and given following themes for interactive deliberations:

• Water as a driver for growth and sustainability
• Sustainable groundwater
• Climate change impacts on water towers - HKH Region
• Cross-cutting role of youth and other stakeholders
• Water policies and stewardships - stakeholders participation

Each group discussed the respective topics in detail and findings after the deliberations were shared with the participants.

After the groups' presentations, an MoU was signed between World Youth Parliament for Water and Pakistan Youth Parliament for Water (PYPW). At the end of the conference, the certificates and shield were distributed among the youth participants.