1. Presentation: Andras Szöllösi-Nagy Governor and Bureau member, World Water Council What is the World Water Forum?

2. A Bit of History Where did the idea for a World Water Forum come from? Dublin ICWE 1992 Rio de Janeiro UNCED 1992 World Water Council created 1994 Marrakech First World Water Forum 1997 The Hague Second World Water Forum 2000 Johannesburg 2002

3. THE WORLD WATER COUNCIL International organization created in 1995 based in Marseille, France. A voice for the international water community, representing all stakeholders and sectors Gathers nearly 300 member organizations from approximately 70 countries Think-Tank for the development of global water resources policies

4. The World Water Council organises a World Water Forum every 3 years, in collaboration with a host country and host city

5. The World Water Forum is the largest international event in the field of water. Over 19,000 participants from 173 countries attended the last edition in Marseille.

6. It raises awareness of politicians, leaders and the public on water issues and solutions, connects the political and the technical

7. World Water Forum series: A Process to Catalyse Positive Change Practices Understanding Improved Situation 6th Forum Other Fora Situation 1: Begining of Prep Process Situation 2: 7th Forum Transformation process

8. THE WORLD WATER FORUM Objectives: Gather all stakeholders together to debate questions related to water, its management and access Formulate concrete proposals and encourage action and solutions Solicit true and lasting political commitment A platform for debates and exchange on questions that are relevant for improved water management and access to water supply and sanitation An open and constructive place for discusssion

9. THE WORLD WATER FORUM Thematic ProcessPolitical processes Regional ProcessScience and Technology Process The Forum is not just a week long event. It necessitates years of preparation to achieve balanced and useful interaction.

10. A FORUM FOR THE CAUSE OF WATER Solutions are first and foremost of a political nature and must be found by reinforcing dialogue between: Governments Parliamentarians Local Authorities Intergovernmental Organisations / United Nations NGOs / Civil Society / Users Public and Private Companies Professionals / Scientists / Experts

13. Conclusions A lot is accomplished together Not simply an assembly of products (cacophony) but collective knowledge and learning processes that enable change to happen (symphony) Many initiatives are ongoing and continue to thrive in between Fora We invite you to be a part of the strategic thinking on the road to the 7th World Water Forum What do YOU want the next Forum to look like?

14. Organizational Structure Organization