Monday, 3 December
The International Conference on Freshwater opened on Monday, 3 December 2001, at the International Congress Centre Bundeshaus in Bonn, Germany. Delegates met in the morning to hear opening and welcome addresses and keynote speeches, which were interspersed with four modern dance pieces. In the afternoon, delegates met for the first multi-stakeholder dialogue on equitable access and sustainable supply of water for the poor

Ice sculpture at the entrance of the of the International Congress Center

In his remarks, Jürgen Trittin, Opening Session Co-Chair and Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany, urged delegates to develop recommendations for sustainable use of water resources, sending a clear message to governments to take action. He voiced support for those fearing privatization of water services, but said industry partnership is needed. He noted that consumption patterns in the North affect water use in the South, and that inadequate water quality or quantity creates refugees. He urged, inter alia, implementing the Kyoto Protocol, establishing international liability mechanisms, and forging a global pact for sustainable development

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Jürgen Trittin

Uschi Eid, session Co-Chair and Parliamentary State Secretary, Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, stated that although access to water is a fundamental human right, about 1.2 billion people lack access to safe water, while 2.5 billion lack decent sanitation, in particular women and children. She noted that recent terrorist attacks demonstrate that living conditions in other countries affect everyone’s security and prosperity, and that peace and sustainability require cooperation and investment in development

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Klaus Töpfer

In his keynote address, Klaus Töpfer, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, stated that water and energy issues are interrelated, citing the lack of electricity in Kenya during droughts. Töpfer highlighted the importance of water in all sectors of social and economic development, poverty eradication, and cultural diversity

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Maria Mutagamba

In her keynote speech, Maria Mutagamba, Minister of State for Water, Uganda, thanked the German Federal Government for making Uganda’s participation possible, mentioning she was chosen to speak on behalf of her country, Africa, and the developing world

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David Hales

Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue
Co-Chair Trittin opened the first Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue (MSD) on equitable access to and sustainable supply of water for the poor, emphasizing the importance of interaction between govern�ments and other stakeholders. Session Facilitator David Hales of Sustainability Science and Technology, followed by stating that the purpose of the MSD is to initiate and enrich the conference output, by raising issues and suggesting directions and actions

On behalf of Business and Industry, Alain Mathys elabo�rated five points on: solving the water problem, creating an enabling environment, removing water barriers, fostering partnerships, and valuing water. Sekou Oumar Tall, representing FARMERS, elabo�rated upon the water challenges and the potential global effects of climate change

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Alain Mathys

Violeta Corral, for Trade Unions, said public-private sector partnerships are fundamentally flawed and do not reflect the needs of communities. She suggested that financial resources be invested in public systems and cover the costs of social equity. She called for partnerships with public-owned companies, as public-private part�nerships direct the flow of resources into private hands and do not address the needs of the poor

On the nature and substance of partnerships, some urged equality, which: Local Authorities said demanded capacity building in efficiency and water harvesting of local authorities; South Africa said depend on strong and democratic local government institutions; and Global Water Partnership said necessitated social mobilization for community participation

Cesar Gutierrez, National Peasant's Forum

Karen Morrison, participant in the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue

Karen Morrison

Kjell Larsson, Sweden

Nitin Desai delivering his keynote address

Nitin Desai (left)

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