World Water Day 2008: Launching of the Istanbul Urban Water Consensus

More than 500 water experts and local elected officials participated in the ceremonies of the World Water Day in Istanbul this week end.

Prominent event: the launch of the Istanbul Urban Water Consensus by Mayor Topbas of Istanbul in presence of 38 delegations of cities from all over the world.

The Mayor launched an appeal to the leaders of cities around the world for better management of their water resources and for facilitating access to water and sanitation for all citizens. "As mayors," he stated, "we love our citizens and are ready to do our best to provide them with these basic services as a contribution to the Milleniumm Development Goals."

Mrs Pageler from the World Water Council also called the Mayors to request from National Governments the required support to achieve the responsibilities more and more devoted to the local governments.

The Istanbul Water Consensus contains a series of commitments to improve water management to which cities are requested to commit. The document has been released in draft version for comments. After being finalised, it should be ready for signature by the cities by October 2008.