PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL KICK-OFF MEETING FOR THE 7 TH WORLD WATER FORUM June 5 th 2014, 9:30 AM TO 4:30 PM, WaterHub, Singapore

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1 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL KICK-OFF MEETING FOR THE 7 TH WORLD WATER FORUM June 5 th 2014, 9:30 AM TO 4:30 PM, WaterHub, Singapore SUMMARY The meeting provided the opportunity for the regional stakeholders to discuss the way forward for the Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the 7th World Water Forum including which themes to be addressed and which organizations will lead each identified theme. Following decisions and agreement were made regarding the scheme and structure of the Asia-Pacific Regional Process. Water and Food Security would be a separate theme with its own session. The APWF would ask the 7th World Water Forum for a separate theme on Rural Water and Sanitation and search for the theme coordinator 1. Consultations with Sub-Regions were important so that the outcome of the content and process could be seen as a joint effort between the session theme coordinator and the Sub-Regions. Each theme coordinator would produce a draft paper which would be the basis for the theme groups (names in the enclosed Annex 2 and also others who might have inputs of relevance) for future discussions. KEY POINTS OF THE MEETING Agenda Item 1: Greetings The meeting was chaired by Mr. Ravi Narayanan, the APWF Governing Council Chair. The Chair thanked PUB for the venue, welcomed and thanked the participants for their attendance in the meeting. The Chair emphasized that the meeting will focus on three things: (1) Identify the six thematic groups for the allotted 6 sessions for the 7 th World Water Forum, (2) determine leadership roles for each session, and (3) decide which session each organization can commit to. The Chair invited everyone to consider a sectoral and geographical perspective to which the meeting hopes to bring alignment to theme, geography, and the participants. A round of self-introduction by the participants followed. The agenda was accepted to be followed for the meeting. Agenda Item 2: Remarks and Presentation on the 7 th World Water Forum 1 Please note that there has been a new development on the Rural Water and Sanitation theme: PLAN International has confirmed to the lead on the theme leader as a coordinator after consultation which took place after the Regional Kick-off Meeting on 5 June. 1

2 (1) Overall Design of the 7 th World Water Forum: 7 th World Water Forum Secretariat National Committee for the 2015 World Water Forum Mr. Sangyoung Park, Korea Water Forum, gave a short introduction about the overall design of the 7 th World Water Forum as well as general and logistical details about the event. He noted that the event is approximately 300 days from the meeting and that there will be a promotional event at the latter part of June for the forum. The Forum will have 16 themes under 4 categories as its general design. Currently, the secretariat is in the process of selecting the organizations for each working group. It was noted that the 7 th World Water Forum will focus on the implementation of developed solutions and will build on what has happened in the 6 th World Water Forum. (2) Regional Process Design: Regional Process Commission Ms. Sue-young Kim, Regional Process Commission, gave a short background about the Regional Process Design. It was noted that the Working Group will be led by the Regional Process Commission to which there will be 4 Regional Design Groups and 3 Cross-Regional Design Groups of which there will be Regional Session Groups in charge of the sessions. A total of 7 Regional Design Groups were identified of which there are 4 large continental regions (Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe) and 3 cross-continental regions (Arab, Mediterranean, and Economically Water Insecure). It was noted that each Region has an organization that serves as coordinator. It was also mentioned that the Economically Water Insecure was previously termed as Economical Water Scarce. The committee then presented the activities done as well as the progress that was made until the meeting. Terms of Reference for the Working Groups (Design and Session Groups) were then presented. The participants were informed that each design group should submit a Preview Session Report at the end of July to the Regional Process Commission and International Steering Committee. Participants asked about the contents of the interim and Final Report to which Ms. Sueyoung Kim responded that the Regional Process Commission wanted to check the execution process of the project. Thus, the interim report should contain what the organization proposes to happen in the session. The Final Report on the other hand will be done after the session and should contain the results, future vision, and future plans. Agenda Item 3: Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the 7 th World Water Forum: Asia Pacific Water Forum Secretariat Ms. Shinobu Fukumoto, Japan Water Forum and APWF Secretariat, presented the Roadmap of Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the 7 th World Water Forum. It was noted that the APWF Priority themes as well as the Suggested Asia Pacific Regional Priority Themes led to 6 AP Regional Priority Themes: (1) Water and Cities / Household Water Security / Sanitation / Urban Water Security / Environmental Water Security, (2) Green Growth / Water and Food Security / Food and Energy Nexus / Economic Water Security, (3) Climate Change / Water 2

3 Related Disasters / Resilience / Mountain Water Security, (4) Integrated Water Resource Management, (5) Asian Water Information System, (6) Regional Synthesis Session: Asia Pacific Water Security with Focus on Asian Water Development Outlook III. Point-person/organizations were identified for each Session Groups. These organizations are in charge of the content. Stakeholders such as youth groups, NGOs, gender groups, and companies as well as prospective partner organizations such as the AWDO team and the Knowledge hubs can provide input to the AP Regional Session Group. It was pointed out by several participants that there is an imbalance between the content of the sessions Session 1 and 2 both have more content whereas Session 4 and 5 seem to have less. To which it was proposed that Session 4 and Session 5 be combined in one session so that the first 2 sessions can be less congested. Other suggestions by the body include: consider ways to make sub regional voices more strong, check the presentations whether it is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identify session groups based on the presentations. Mr. Narayanan proposes to reshuffle the themes and to think how participation can be more meaningful and how it can answer some issues and gaps and how we can realign the gaps. Agenda Item 4: Presentation on the Regional/Sub Regional Themes by the Asia Pacific Regional Session Groups (1) Water and Cities / Household Water Security / Sanitation / Urban Water Security / Environmental Water Security: UN Habitat, ESCAP, UNESCO Mr. Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO Office Jakarta, presented on behalf of UN Habitat, ESCAP, and UNESCO. Challenges with the theme were presented. The session group proposes for a long term vision of water and that there is a need to ensure that the Post-2015 Agenda goes beyond Water Security and Sanitation. Three Actions were identified: (1) to develop a position paper and vision on Urban Water Management for ASPAC, (2) influence Post-2015 discussions and consultations through meetings and communication with stakeholders, and (3) to develop a Regional Flagship Programme which covers from developing a regional taskforce and flagship programme plan to building on existing initiatives such as Water for Asian Cities and SWITCH-in-Asia. It was suggested that (1) the implementation of strategies can be streamlined, (2) Environmental Water Security portion can be transferred to the IWRM session, (3) Water Security outlet groups can put in infrastructure and Green growth ideas, (4) and that enterprises should be involved more. 3

4 It was pointed out that there is an issue of urban water deficit and that the solutions were a bit weak. Companies and industries will benefit in the rebalancing of the session topics. It was also noted that rural water supply is missing from the presentation. Innovations were also identified as the link between Regional Process and Science & Technology processes and that the best practices and outputs can be an input for Science & Technology process. Mr. Mark Pascoe, IWC, pointed out that the Environmental Water Security is also defined in the AWDO. Mr. Hubert Gijzen, on the other hand, emphasized that Environmental Water Security is one of the issues in Urban Water to which his proposal focuses on redesigning cities. Mr. Gijzen commits to continue to work on the proposal and to create a discussion paper. Mr. Narayanan suggested to do some approximate analysis and to do typologies on cities. Each typology may have upstream and downstream issues, examples of where issues have happened or is about to happen, so it would be useful to define 4 to 5 issues/situations, define approaches (technology or steps) to get to the shining hill and collect case studies to tell where we are now. It was also suggested that these be kept as simple as possible. Mr. Francois Brikke, GWP Secretariat, pointed out that social dimension should be part of the discussion of the Water and Cities, especially the urban poor. (2) Green Growth / Water & Food Security / Food and Energy Nexus / Economic Water Security: FAO, ESCAP, UNESCO, IWMI, ICIMOD, K-WATER Ms. Salmah Zakaria, ESCAP, and Mr. Taesun Shin, K-Water, presented their proposal for Water and Green Growth for Sustainable Development. Proposed activities and progress were presented as well. Mr. Facon Thierry, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, presented Water and Food Security / Irrigation and Drainage. Developments from the 6 th World Water Forum and the 2 nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit were presented. It was emphasized that the key consideration must be put on transitions and to meet the farmer s aspiration in the context of green development. Water and Food Security/Irrigation and Drainage were then proposed as the session group s focus. Proposed activities were presented as well. Mr. Herath Manthrithilake, IWMI, proposed that there should be a separate session for food security. Mr. Hubert Gijzen, on the other hand, said that there is a need for long-term vision for Food Security and that Green Economy and Food Security must be separated from each other. Ms. Salmah Zakaria, ESCAP, pointed out that there will be overlaps. 4

5 Mr. Ramesh Vaidya, ICIMOD, suggested that nexus between water, energy and food needs to be discussed. It may, therefore, help to have two separate sessions, one on food security and the other on the nexus. Mr. Jack Sim, World Toilet Organization, proposed that sanitation should be considered and treated as a more dominant role and that it should be emphasized in the 7 th World Water Forum in Korea. He then proposed to create a Sanitation Agenda. Mr. Francois Brikke, GWP Secretariat, suggested more articulation with sub regional consultations. Sub-regions can feed the case studies into the FAO s proposal for developing a paper as the fresh examples are necessary to show what is happening in the reality. He also pointed out that post-forum activities in Korea must be prepared. Mr. Narayanan informed the groups that each particular team must have a group of people who are able to contribute inputs along these issues. He also said that each point must have an input. (3) Climate Change / Water Related Disasters / Resilience / Mountain Water Security: ICIMOD, ICHARM Mr. Ramesh Vaidya, ICIMOD, presented on behalf of ICIMOD and ICHARM. It was noted that the session is focused on Strategic Flood Risk Management. The problem was defined as well as the statistics that support the proposal. Issues to be addressed as well as overall methodologies to solve these problems were also presented after which the roadmap and initiatives done by ICIMOD were shown. Ms. Changhua Wu, Vice Chair of APWF GC, said that the proposed theme is for a standalone session. Mr. Francois Brikke, GWP Secretariat, pointed out that there should be streamlining of policies including investment measures and that it must be known how much of climate change is included in the climate change development plan. Climate resilience should also mean something to the local people at various levels, so the capacity development and stakeholder participation are important. Ms. Salmah Zakaria, ESCAP, pointed out that Flood Risk Management should consider river basins. Mr. Mark Pascoe, IWC, proposed that the session should also consider other disasters such as drought. Mr. Herath Manthrithilake, IWMI, commented on the disconnectedness of floods and mountains. 5

6 Ms. Changhua Wu, commented that topics are more on mitigation and less on adaptation. She also pointed out that information sharing and learning is very important. She also brought up Climate Adaptation Financing. Mr. Vadim Sokolov, GWP CACENA, emphasized the importance of maintaining the safety of the infrastructures. Mr. Keizrul Bin Abdullah, NARBO, pointed out on problems caused by typhoon. (4) Integrated Water Resources Management: NARBO, ESCAP, UNESCO Mr. Kezirul Bin Abdullah, NARBO, presented the issues of the IWRM as well as challenge that it faces. Proposed methodology was also shown as well as the timeline of the session. The themes as well as the focal points were informed to the meeting. Others suggested that IWRM group should refer to nexus and the overlapping of issues and that it is more efficient to discuss what a hindrance to IWRM is and that they should integrate these factors. It was also suggested that IWRM should contribute to water security at the basin level and that case studies would be ideal to consider for the session. IWRM should also study institutional aspects and consider calm waters. Mr. Narayanan informed everyone to keep track of all the suggestions and that they should integrate it to the paper that needs modifying. (5) Asian Water Information System: ADB. ADB presented updates and information on the Asian Water Information System (AWIS) and the Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO). Mr. Hubert Gijzen, UNESCO Office Jakarta, invited a discussion on the process of making a super database. He commented that the system should aim at a high quality platform where partners will feel comfortable and proud of their data. Mr. Keizrul Bin Abdullah, NARBO, pointed out that it will be hard to package a session that is all about data, but it would be useful if they could collect innovative examples from around the world and show that there is a better cost of return to have such information data system, as for some cases, governments do not see why they should spend money on these system. He also pointed out that there are the cases in which the governments ask the data provider to charge people for the use of the data. It was also suggested that there should be one document that encapsulates everything. 6

7 Mr. Chris Morris, ADB, stressed the importance of collaboration among organizations, regarding the AWIS. As ADB and K-water signed the during the SIWW, necessary collective action will be taken forward. Mr. Sangyoung Park, KWF, stated that AWIS aims toward providing water related information not only for water experts, but also the wide public. Accordingly AWIS is intended to be utilized as the preliminary information tool for the regions development plans, such as urban development, national development plans and water basin development. The detail contents and technical elements are as followed. Identification of the information provider and end user Developing the monitoring network Organize information providing protocols for relevant organizations Develop an user friendly AWIS software and provide proper education in facilitating the software Promote institutional and staff capacity building (6) Regional Synthesis: Asia-Pacific Water Security with a focus on Asian Water Development Outlook: APWF, ADB, APCWS, ESCAP Mr. Kazuhisa Ito, Japan Water Forum and APWF Secretariat, discussed how the Regional Synthesis will proceed during the 7 th World Water Forum. Details of the session were presented to the meeting. Mr. Theirry Facon, FAO, suggested that the session starts by presenting the regional water status using the AWDO indicators, which would be followed by the regional session reports and the political part. Mr. Narayanan, pointed out that K-water must be added to the list of session organizers of the Regional Synthesis session. Agenda Item 5: Other Matters Mr. Narayanan read out the newly composed session groups and teams (See Appendix 2). He also suggested that the groups and teams produce a paper in cooperation with all the team members, which should take an approach which describes and includes (1) an element of disaggregation in principle which could be by people s concentrations or intensity of the problem, (2) progression toward the ideal/transition, (3) tradeoffs and overlaps, (4) aspects of governance and communication to outside world and (5) a (key) message that are relevant to people and appeal to much wider audience. It was proposed to include a 6th session on Water and Sanitation. Initially there are 5 slots (not including Regional synthesis). Updates regarding the session will be kept in check by the APWF Secretariat and the Korea Water Forum. 7

8 It was noted that Rural Water and Sanitation problem is acute and that it stands out. Water and Sanitation, thus, will be proposed however Water and Green Growth must also be observed. It was agreed upon that Ms. Salmah Zakaria and Mr. Hubert Gijzen will talk about the session and arrive at a decision soon. Ms. Changhua Wu commented that sanitation rural element can be emphasized and highlighted in every position paper. Rural sanitation can be addressed around the innovations, mechanism and technology that can contribute to the problem solving. As suggested by Mr. Narayanan, ESCAP and UNESCO agreed to develop a proposition together with ADB and the Youth and organize teams who can contribute case studies and perspectives within a month by mid-july. Mr. Narayanan also suggested that if we were not able to make a process or progress, we can invite other organization such as nongovernmental organizations to take the lead. He also advised that sessions must be pushed, followed by finding champions, and looking for prospects. He also reminded that Non GWP members should still commit to help out with the sessions. APWF Secretariat invited everyone to write their name or organization s name at the session groups they will commit to. It will be compiled and circulated later. Mr. Narayanan closed the meeting for the day and thanked the participants for their attendance and valued inputs for the kick-off meeting, and offered special thanks to PUB for hosting the meeting. He invited everyone to come on 6 th June 2014 for the 15 th Governing Council Meeting of the Asia Pacific Water Forum Recorded by: The APWF Secretariat Approved by: The APWF Governing Council 8

9 Appendix 1: Position Paper Content 1. The Problem or the Issue a. Sub Regionally b. Typology 2. Vision or the Possibility 3. Getting from 1 to 2 (from the problem or the issue to Possibility) (Recommendations) By Sub Region or By Typology a. System Change (Institutional Design / Architecture / Citizen/ Interface / Roles) b. Capacities (of service providers, communicators) c. Technology Choices / Progression 4. Case studies / Stories to support above a. By Subregion b. By Typology 5. Overlaps, Tradeoffs 9

10 Appendix 2: Session Groups *Highlighted organization: Group leader Session Group 1: Session Group 2: Session Group 3 Session Group 4: Session Group 5: Session Group 6 Session Group 7: Water and Cities Water and Water & Food Water Related IWRM Rural Water and Regional Synthesis Green Growth Security Disasters Sanitation Session: Asia-Pacific Water Security with a focus on Asian Water Development Outlook Ⅲ UNESCO UN-HABITAT ESCAP GWP HQ IWC APCWS SUEZ ENVIRONMENT GWP CACENA (Mongolia) GWP China PUB Japan Sanitation Consortium 2 ESCAP K-WATER UNESCO IWMI ICIMOD GWP HQ IWC APCWS GWP CACENA (Kazakhstan) FAO IWMI ICIMOD ADB Youth Initiative GWP CACENA (Regional Secretariat) GWP SEA ICIMOD ICHARM GWP HQ Water Youth Network (Ponce) GWP CACENA (Regional Secretariat) GWP SEA GWP China GWP SAS NARBO ESCAP UNESCO GWP HQ UNEP Tunza SEAYEN (Youth) (South East Asian Youth Environmental Network) Mekong River Commission (MRC) (tbc) ADB / APCWS- AWIS GWP SAS GWP SEA GWP CACENA (Regional Secretariat) PLAN International 3 ADB (ADB YOUTH INITIATIVE) Arghyam 4 IWC UN- HABITATUNEP Tunza SEAYEN (Youth) (South East Asian Environmental Network) JAGARAN NEPAL (Ponce) GWP SEA Korea Water Forum 5 Organized by APWF In cooperation with: ADB ESCAP APCWS K-WATER 2 Added on June 23 3 Added on June 18 4 Added on June 18 5 Added on June 20 10