UN-endorsed Water Security Working Group
On September 9, 2013 the representatives of seven associations dealing with different aspects of water issues held a meeting in Chengdu, China to discuss ways to collaborate on ways to enhance water security around the world. The seven associations represented in the meeting were:
- International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR)
- International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)
- International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD)
- International Water Resources Association (IWRA)
- International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID)
- World Association for Sedimentation and Erosion Research (WASER)
At the conclusion of the meeting the Presidents of these seven associations signed a Declaration on Water Security, stating the goals of their collaboration. Those at the meeting agreed to continue collaborating as a working group towards the goals of the
Water Security Declaration
.
UN sets the stage for adoption of a new global agreement on disaster risk in 2015
12 December 2013, GENEVA – The United Nations General Assembly has set the stage for a new global agreement on reducing the impact of disasters by confirming that the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction will take place in Sendai City, Japan from 14 to 18 March 2015.
Tribute to Jose Medem, Founding President
On the day of its 8th General Assembly, its member organizations have unanimously agreed to appoint Professor JOSÉ MEDEM SANJUAN as FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CIVIL ENGINEERS for its continuing commitment in the creation of a world organization to represent civil engineering professionals on an equal basis and promote technology transfer contributing to the welfare of humankind.
Such tribute was held during the 8th General Assembly Gala Dinner on October 13th at the Tropicana Santiago de Cuba.
TrainRebuild Final Report Reveals that the Key Driver for Demand of Energy Efficiency in Buildings is Closely Linked to Improved Property Value.
The Final Report of the project TrainRebuild will be an invaluable instrument to communicate the retrofit value and return of investment to property owners, thus creating a scale effect of energy efficient renovations in Europe.
"The TrainRebuild project did not only propose an integrated approach to training and communication, but also an instrument to change public and private property owners' mindset", explained Günther H. Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy in his foreword' to the TrainRebuild Final Report.
The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2 calls for more information and training to assist property owners and their advisors. Currently, there is a lack of independent, authoritative and understandable information on what measures property owners should take to retrofit their buildings and how these solutions can be procured. The complexity of the renovation work and the insufficient knowledge on the best available cost-effective technologies, funding schemes and how to access these are main barriers to the energy efficiency improvement of buildings.
Rio+20 concludes with big package of commitments for action and agreement by world leaders on path for a sustainable future
World leaders finalized an agreement at Rio+20 today that will advance action on sustainable development, as businesses, governments, civil society and multilateral development banks announced hundreds of voluntary commitments to shape a more sustainable future for the benefit of the planet and its people. The full package of agreements, actions, commitments, challenges, initiatives and announcements made at Rio+20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, addresses a range of global issues that includes access to clean energy, food security, water and sustainable transportation.
"Rio+20 has given us a solid platform to build on," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. "Rio+20 has affirmed fundamental principles -- renewed essential commitments-and given us new direction."
Proposed goals and targets on Sustainable Development for the Post2015 agenda now available
In preparation for the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) informal consultations 9 to 11 June 2014, an initial zero draft of the proposed goals and targets has been made available.
The priority target has been suggested as the eradication of poverty, the biggest global challenge facing the world today. The draft contains 17 proposed goals to be attained by 2030, including secure water and sanitation for all for a sustainable world.
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