5 July 2017: In the lead-up to the 8th World Water Forum, water agencies and stakeholders are preparing research on implementing the Sustainable Development Goal on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). United Cities and Local Government (UCLG), the global network of cities, local, and regional governments, consulted with the World Water Forum’s Political Process on local-level water issues. The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) issued a call for case studies showing the value of smart water management (SWM) for achieving sustainable development.

The World Water Forum takes place in Brasilia, Brazil, from 18-23 March 2018.

UCLG consulted with Forum organizers at the XIIth Metropolis World Congress from 19-22 June 2017 on preparations for the International Conference of Local and Regional Authorities, which will take place during the Forum week. The Conference will seek to provide concrete examples of how water-related action by cities and regions can contribute to the fulfillment of the New Urban Agenda, which was the outcome of the Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

IWRA and K-water are undertaking a joint research project on SWM. The agencies are calling for abstracts for papers on projects that use information and communication technology (ICT) to respond to challenges related to drought, floods, irrigation, water quality, water quantity and wastewater. Authors whose abstracts are selected will be assisted to develop full case studies highlighting lessons learned. Some of the studies will be presented at the 8th World Water Forum.

K-water is the Republic of Korea’s government agency for water resource development. [IWRA Press Release] [World Water Council Press Release] [UCLG Website] [K-water Website]