Fifth Asia Water Forum Discusses Innovation and Technology to Address Asia’s Water Challenges
More than 800 gathered today at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila for the opening of the Asia Water Forum 2018, focusing on “Information, Innovation, and Technology.” The forum—the fifth held at ADB headquarters since 2002—provides a platform to share knowledge and experiences to help ensure water security for the Asia and Pacific region. Participants included government officials, water and development professionals, and representatives from the private sector, academia, civil society, and media.
ADB President Mr. Takehiko Nakao, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Mr. Seung-Soo Han, Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Indian Council for International Economic Relations Ms. Isher Judge Ahluwalia, and Chief Executive Officer of Suez Consulting Ms. Annelise Avril took part in the opening plenary panel on “Innovating the Future of Water.” ADB Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development Mr. Bambang Susantono gave opening remarks.
“About 300 million people in the Asia and Pacific region do not have improved access to water and 1.7 billion lack access to basic sanitation,” said Mr. Nakao. “Innovations and new technologies provide the means to help ADB developing member countries advance their water management including river basin management, flood control, and water pollution; and service delivery such as water supply, sanitation, and irrigation.”
This year’s forum features over four days a series of panels, leadership discussions, technical sessions, and workshops. The event is complemented by an exhibition of 48 international firms showcasing the latest water sector technologies and innovations, including artificial intelligence applied to real time river flow forecasting, drone technology for improved irrigation, solar powered pumps, and equipment that generates water from the air.
Sources:
ADB