5 July 2011: In a statement to the fourth Singapore International Water Week, Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), emphasized that sound governance is crucial for the sustainable management of water resources that are threatened by pollution, natural disasters and climate change.

Addressing the South-East Asia Water Ministers Forum, which kicked off Singapore International Water Week, on 4 July 2011, in Singapore, Heyzer also noted that overcoming water-related challenges requires an understanding of the principles of water management, as well as the adoption of new practices that integrate a global approach and bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, and that water scarcity is a constraint to inclusive and sustainable development in the subregion. She emphasized that growing water scarcity is a constraint to inclusive and sustainable development in the subregion and that water shortages in the dry season, made more severe because of climate change, could affect economic growth and progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Finally, she underscored the importance of green growth and the role of ESCAP as a key driver for regional cooperation in water resources management. [UN News]