Singapore International Water Week 2009 is a global platform that brings policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners together to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities and celebrate achievements in the water world.
Singapore has also been chosen as the location for the 2010 ISTT No-Dig Conference and Exhibition. Click here for all the latest information.
Mr Jayakumar said "All major cities and communities around the world face sustainable development challenges. Cities enjoy economies of scale and potential for creativity arising from concentrated human activity. At the same time, they face many issues such as housing needs, public health, congestion, access to clean water and sanitation. Cities will have to grapple with these challenges within the constraints of finite financial and other resources like energy, raw materials and water. On top of this, climate change is introducing new uncertainties for human civilisation. Although scientific opinion is divided on climate change issues, what is clear is that the onset of extreme weather patterns will have a significant impact on the world’s distribution of fresh potable water and food supplies."
"In many instances, the development of pioneering infrastructure has been driven by advances in technology. Technology is a critical factor for cities to overcome their natural vulnerabilities and constraints."
Article continues below…"Infrastructure planning and implementation needs to be done with a clear vision and a long term perspective. Preserving water resources and protecting the environment are both long term investments entailing huge costs in the short term but yielding benefits that come about only after some time."
Mr Jayakumar thanked the distinguished delegates, partners, founding sponsors and participants for their support of SIWW 2009. "I am glad that commitment to water issues has remained high despite the downturn, as reflected by this year’s SIWW drawing an even larger, and more diverse crowd. The various pillar events of SIWW 2009 should reinforce the fact that technology and infrastructure are essential long term investments for a sustainable water future, even in uncertain economic times. I hope that through SIWW, we will all build upon our ideas and experiences to seek better infrastructure and technology solutions."
