A seminar on “Water and Sanitation in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC): Innovative Approaches for Resource Mobilization and Policy Implementation” took place from 10-13 December 2008, in Lusaka, Zambia, to discuss how to mobilize resources and strengthen awareness on water and sanitation (WASAT) issues, in order to accelerate the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and sustainable development commitments in Southern Africa.

The meeting brought together water experts from government institutions and subregional bodies, the private sector, SADC institutions, civil society and development partners. The event was jointly convened by the African Union-Southern Africa Regional Office, the African Development Bank and ECA Southern Africa Office.
The seminar facilitated consultation among stakeholders on the strategic role of WASAT in the attainment of national, sub-regional, regional and global sustainable development commitments to assess the progress accomplished in promoting access to safe WASAT, identify issues and challenges, increase awareness and define a strategy to accelerate the attainment of the related MDGs through effective resource mobilization. The event also served as a consultative and preparatory meeting for Africa’s participation at the Fifth World Water Forum, to be held in Turkey in 2009.
Link to further information
UNECA Press Release, 9 December 2008