Opening Remarks on Asia-Pacific Day at 4th World Water Forum
9:00-10:00, March 21

Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto
President of the Japan Water Forum

It is a great honor and pleasure for me, as president of the Japan Water Forum, to be given this opportunity to deliver a speech on Asia-Pacific Day. I would like to thank all of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to actively participate in this meeting.


The Japan Water Forum worked as coordinator for the Asia-Pacific region in the preparations for the 4th World Water Forum. We divided the Asia-Pacific region into five sub-regions and had discussions while monitoring past achievements in each sub-region. Also, all of the sub-regional coordinators gathered in Tokyo last October to bring discussions into their final stage.


The Asia-Pacific region, geographically widespread and home to about 60% of the world's population, is rich in diversity, and therefore water issues in this region are also diverse. Fortunately, during this regional preparatory process, we have come to realize that the diversity of this region is not an obstacle but rather a valuable asset in addressing water issues and facilitating solutions. We have also realized that there are several common water-related issues and challenges in this region that we should tackle collectively.


As His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince of Japan mentioned at the opening ceremony of the 4th World Water Forum, we have come to share the common understanding that all stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific community must work together for the resolution of water issues. I am very pleased that, during the preparatory process, it was proposed that we form an Asia-Pacific Water Forum Initiative. This is to be a new network of stakeholders designed to address regional water issues.


Yesterday, the Asia-Pacific Water Ministerial Meeting took place. Approximately 160 participants attended the meeting; more than we had expected. Ministers and representatives of UN organizations strongly supported the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum. Of course, this initiative is not limited to the Asia-Pacific countries. The Forum will be able to contribute to the resolution of water issues not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also globally, through cooperation with other regions. We would like to move forward together with our counterparts throughout the world by sharing valuable experience and information.


Here today, we proudly declare the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum. Thank you.