20 May 2013: The 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit (APWS), which convened under the theme of ‘Water Security and Water-related Disaster Challenges: Leadership and Commitment,’ concluded with the adoption of the Chiang Mai Declaration, encouraging actions on water security and the efficient use of water resources.

APWS, which was organized by the Thai Government in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Water Forum and its international and regional partners, took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 19-20 May 2013. Participants considered a range of water-related issues, including: economic, food and water security; urban water security; environmental water security; water-related disaster challenges; household water security; water risks and resilience; and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for a water-secure world.

At the Leaders Forum on 20 May, country representatives delivered statements on national actions towards water security, and made recommendations for international cooperation on water issues. The Leaders Forum also endorsed the Chiang Mai Declaration, which renews commitments from the First APWS and encourages a range of actions on, inter alia, water security, disaster risk reduction (DRR), the efficient use of water resources, and irrigation systems improvement.

The Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO) convened its 5th General Meeting in collaboration with the Summit. The NARBO meeting convened on 18 May, and was hosted by the Thailand Water Resources Association and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority. Participants discussed progress of members’ activities, reviewed past NARBO activities, and addressed future action. [IISDRS Meeting Coverage] [Second Asia-Pacific Water Summit Website] [5th NARBO General Meeting]