Message from Minister for the Environment and
Water Resources

Water is a vital resource. Currently, as estimated by UN Water Statistics, one in six people worldwide lack safe drinking water and 2.5 billion have no access to basic sanitation¹.  And demand for freshwater is set to rise as the world population grows, alongside rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and climate changes. Decision-makers will have to give their unwavering attention to this growing challenge, even as they continue to grapple with new developments.

It is only with sound policies, innovative technologies and international cooperation that we can secure water for generations to come. It is therefore heartening to note that scientists, governments, non-government organisations and industry experts from around the world are taking time to meet at the annual Singapore International Water Week to share, explore and develop cost-effective solutions.

Themed “Sustainable Cities – Infrastructure and Technology for Water”, the Singapore International Water Week 2009 will focus not only on the science of water, but also examine how to create a viable environment to realise the benefits of technologies. Co-located events, such as the 7th Ministers’ Forum on Infrastructure Development in the Asia Pacific Region and International Water Association's 6th Leading-Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies, will help widen perspectives and deepen the knowledge exchange of delegates.

The Water Convention and Water Expo has also grown from strength to strength with over  200 academic papers and posters to be presented and more than  160 exhibitors participating this year. The inaugural Water Week last year saw S$367 million of deals sealed at the Expo, and many participants have requested for more Business Forums to be held. This year, eight Business Forums, with the addition of North America and North Africa, and the new Finance Forum are set to offer more diverse business opportunities to delegates and trade visitors.

This year, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, bearing the name of Singapore’s first Prime Minister and now Minister Mentor, will be presented at the Istana by President S R Nathan. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to Professor Gatze Lettinga, the distinguished recipient this year.

A significant milestone for Singapore will also be marked during the week – the opening of our nation’s largest and most advanced used water treatment facility, the Changi Water Reclamation Plant. We are indeed pleased to share this momentous occasion with all our friends and guests as this facility is a testimony to our long term vision towards sustainable infrastructure development.

I thank the Singapore Millennium Foundation and all other sponsors for their support of the Singapore International Water Week 2009 and wish all of you a fruitful and enjoyable time in Singapore.


¹ Based on latest United Nations (UN) Water Statistics  (http://www.unwater.org)