Solving Water Shortage
K-water and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) held a seminar called “ODA Strategy Development for Water Security and Sustainable Growth” at The K Hotel Seoul in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, on Feb. 12 to tackle the issue of water shortages, which hampers sustainable growth in developing counties.
The two organizations signed an agreement to carry out foreign development assistance cooperation projects and train talents related to water sector in in May 2014. Also, they are jointly holding the seminar this time to help solve the water issue, which has been one of the biggest hindrances for sustainable growth in developing economies.
The seminar was held in order to tackle water shortages, which hinder sustainable growth in developing countries. Around 200 experts on water resources attended the seminar, including former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, who was appointed as special envoy for disaster risk reduction and water by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Ahn Jong-ho, senior research fellow in the water environment division of the Korea Environment Institute.
There were four topics announced at the seminar – the major performance of KOICA’s water-related ODA projects and the desirable official assistance direction in the future; K-water’s role and plan to tackle water shortages; the official assistance and advancement into foreign countries in the water industry; and the government’s policy and direction of official assistance. Then, with Chung-Ang University Professor Kim Jeong-in presiding over the debate, nine panels discussed the in depth.
Choi Gye-woon, CEO of K-water, said, “Due to climate change, developing countries are facing bigger problems in water management. For them, K-water’s knowledge and experience for efficient management of water will provide effective solutions. Also, this joint seminar will make a synergistic effect, as K-water and KOICA seek water-related ODA strategies together.”
KOICA Chief Kim Young-mok said, “I think it is meaningful that KOICA, which has set up infrastructure in developing countries to fight poverty, help develop both the economy and society, and solve water issues on behalf of the government, is joining efforts to tackle water problems in the international community with K-water, a global leader in water resources management.”
Starting with the investigation into the Fenhe river basin in Shanxi Province, China, in 1994, K-water, KOICA and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund have successfully accomplished 41 ODA projects in 20 countries so far.