Just Add Water: Putting water on local action agendas to support the New Urban Agenda and global change

The 5th International Conference of Local and Regional Authorities for water aims at supporting decision-makers, local leaders and practitioners in dealing with local water challenges. The Conference will be held in conjunction with the World Water Forum in Brasilia on 20-21 March 2018, a month after the World Urban Forum. This networking event is, therefore, the last opportunity for interested stakeholders to engage in its preparatory process.

Following a general presentation of the 5th International Conference of Local and Regional Authorities for water, roundtable discussions will be held with mayors and other representatives. It will address the importance of prioritizing sustainable urban water resources management at the local level as a mean for implementing the New Urban Agenda and other international agendas. Since water is most often managed locally, experience sharing between cities from around the world on (1) how to contribute, on the ground, to these commitments and (2) how to strengthen cooperation between different levels of governance is at the heart of this networking event.

It will be argued that water underlies the achievement of all environmental, social and economic prosperity. Its sustainable management is, therefore, a valuable investment which presents many solutions to overcome the challenges that cities face. With a facilitated understanding of global agendas as they pertain to water, the Conference will respond to the call from local governments for guidance, strategies, to support mayors in their tasks.

Promotion of the 5th International Conference of Local and Regional Authorities for Water and enhanced engagement of urban community in its preparatory process.

Share information, improved framework and draft outcomes for the upcoming Conference;

Contribute to international agreements and frameworks using water as a vector of multiple solutions.