Philadelphia Global Water Initiative Kick-Off Conference

Posted by on October 20, 2006

Philadelphia Global Water Initiative
Kick-Off Conference

November 13, 2006
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania
3417 Spruce St, Philadelphia

Every 20 seconds, someone in the world, usually a child, dies from a water-related problem.
1.2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water
2.4 billion people do not have basic sanitation.

At the beginning of the new millennium, as part of the specific Millennium Development Goals set by the UN to improve the lives of the world?s poorest, a target was set to reduce by half the percentage of the world?s people who do not have access to clean water and basic sanitation. Latest figures show that some progress has been made, but a tremendous amount of work remains to be done. If this and related goals are to be met ? and if the burden of water-related problems is to be reduced – there must be greater awareness and more funding for these efforts.

The Philadelphia area has much to offer in meeting these goals: technical know-how, organizational skills, and educational opportunities; many from the area are already involved in working toward the MDGs. Water supply and sanitation experts, universities, consulting firms, and individuals involved with non-government organizations all are making contributions.

To increase the impact of these contributions, the Philadelphia Global Water Initiative is being formed. This kick-off conference will explore how Philadelphia parties can coordinate and increase efforts towards attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals for water and sanitation.

This conference will:

? Provide interested parties in the Philadelphia area with a forum to meet and learn from each other
? Promote greater regional awareness regarding these issues and encourage more public/private funding
? Strengthen activities currently being undertaken to support the water-related Millennium Development Goals
? Set the future direction for the Philadelphia Global Water Initiative.

This one-day conference is FREE but registration before November 1 is required. To register or for more information, please email niva@sas.upenn.edu.

The Philadelphia Global Water Initiative is a group of interested organizations and individuals committed to helping to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals for water/sanitation throughout the world. It includes the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Water Department, Water for People, Aqua America, Pennoni Associates, US Environmental Protection Agency, Uhl, Baron, Rana and Associates, the United Nations Association – Greater Philadelphia Chapter, and Meta Quality of Life Improvement Foundation.