2016
UNESCO Director-General takes part in High-level Symposium at WWAP
From left to right: Padre Enzo Fortunato, Director of the Press office of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, Mr. Mario Giro, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Barbara Degani, Undersecretary for the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea.
On 15th of February, the Director-General, Irina Bokova, took part in a high-level symposium at the headquarters of the United Nations World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) in Perugia, Italy, entitled: “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Education, Science and Culture around Water”.
This high-level event discussed the central role of water resources in society and the road to the achievement of the new set of SDGs. As driver and enabler of sustainable development, water availability, access and management can determine the way in which individuals and communities plan and shape their future.
Likewise, gender equity strengthens social inclusion, reduces poverty, improves water resources management and sanitation, as well as contributes towards environmental sustainability and food security. Similarly, education, research and science are instrumental in building healthy societies and developing new economic opportunities.
WWAP Coordinator, Professor Stefan Uhlenbrook
As highlighted in the forthcoming UN World Water Development Report: “Water plays a vital role in generating and sustaining jobs across a wide array of sectors and in unlocking the potential for indirect employment opportunities through its multiplier effects” (WWDR 2016 “Water and Jobs”).