Building on the UN commitments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, ASEM Water held its 6th International Conference in Changsha (China) at the end of October. The international event was co-organised by the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) and focused on water-related international knowledge sharing and professional cooperation.
The international event was personally attended by Dr Károly Kovács, President of the Hungarian Water Partnership, who, in response to the invitation of the organisers, gave a welcome speech at the beginning of the meeting and chaired the plenary session on Integrated Governance of Urban Water Environment.
In addition, as a keynote speaker, he presented economically and financially sustainable water technologies and solutions to the participants, engaging on the importance of the integrated approach and life-cycle aspects.
The event concentrated on the economic sustainability of municipal water developments, with particular attention on affordable, bankable, and cost-effective solutions. Several Asian countries (Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India) already have internationally recognised Hungarian water solutions and projects with the above economic approach.
The ASEM Water Academic and Development Committee held its official meeting in parallel with the international conference. The meeting was chaired by Dr Károly Kovács, Vice-president of the Committee.
As an outcome of the event, the conference declaration was drafted around the themes discussed at the conference and the key sectoral areas. As well as setting out the general global challenges and expected actions at the international level, the declaration also sets out specific, practical steps for all water actors that, if implemented systematically, can have a positive impact in the short term.
Background:
What is the Eurasian Cooperation, ASEM?
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was established in 1996 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia. It aims to strengthen relations between the two continents.
ASEM brings together 53 partners: 30 European countries (the 28 EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland), 21 Asian countries, the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat.
What is ASEM Water?
ASEM WATER is the permanent organisation for water research and development under the ASEM mechanism, established in 2011 following the decision of the 8th ASEM Summit.
ASEM WATER brings together Eurasian member countries to address challenges in water resources management. As an international regional organisation, it promotes scientific and technological cooperation in the field of water and brings together governmental organisations, agencies, research institutes, universities and other professional associations from ASEM member states interested in water resources protection.
Hungary actively participates in the work of ASEM Water through its role as a line ministry and through the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP). In 2012 the ASEM Water Academic and Development Committee was established, with 24 members delegated by member organisations. The Chair of the HWP has been elected as Vice-Chair of the Commission and in this capacity he plays an active and influential role in the development of Eurasian water cooperation.
Every two years, ASEM WATER organises an international seminar on sustainable urban water management and current issues affecting the water sector, with hundreds of participants.
