[Sponsored Report] World River Forum starts today in Daegu

At the Gangjeong Goryeong Weir the delegates are given a tour to the high-tech weir facilities while enjoying the beautiful riverside scenery yesterday. Provided by 2012 World River Forum Secretariat

The 2012 World River Forum will take place today at Hotel Inter-Burgo Exco in Daegu. The two-day event is being hosted this year by the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs and Office of National River Restoration and is organized by Korea Water Resources Corporation and The Korea Economic Daily.

Through the international water forum, Korean government aims to share advanced water resource management strategies, establish infrastructure for cooperation and joint projects with the developing countries, and to expand export in the water industry. This year’s theme is “Managing Rivers for People, Nature and the Future.” Keynote speakers include Paul Kennedy, a professor at Yale University and author of “The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers,” and William J. Cosgrove, World Water Council’s honorary president.

At the ministerial-level meeting taking place today, officials from 12 countries of Asia, Africa and Central America will discuss the current status of water resource and river management worldwide and each country’s policies on these two parts and further discuss on river management strategy to address climate change and foster sustainable development. At this high-level meeting, they will formally announce their collective pledge to cooperate with each other to resolve the water issue together. On the second day of the forum, there will be an international conference from water experts invited from around the world hosting sessions as River, Ecosystem & Environment, River and Culture, Water Industry, Tourism and leisure, River Restoration and Management.

This year’s World River Forum boasts a record-breaking attendance from high-ranking officials from 12 countries and six international organizations. Some 800 experts will participate in the international forum for river management creating a platform to share ideas on policy, strategy and cultural exchange. For more information on this forum, please visit the Web site (www.wrf2012.org).

By Lee Ji-hyun [concordia@joongang.co.kr]