Caption: Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is hosted by the Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Oqil Oqilov (far right) following his keynote address for the International Year of Water Corporation at the UN in New York.
25 September 2013, New York: Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama joined world leaders, heads of UN agencies and Ambassadors at a breakfast hosted by the Prime Minister of Tajikistan H.E Oqil Oqilov in celebration of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation.
“I wish to commend the Government of Tajikistan for the political commitment and leadership that it has demonstrated in advocating issues of water cooperation” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
In his statement, PM Bainimarama stressed the need for the international community to work together to address emerging freshwater issues, and unite efforts undertaken by governments, international and regional organizations, business communities, scientists and representatives of the civil society.
“The increasing demand for water resources from economic growth and declining water quality are being aggravated by the adverse impacts of climate change, expanding populations, rapid urbanization and a significant shortage of financial resources and much-needed investment,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
Prime Minister Bainimarama informed participants that Fiji, in its capacity as the Chair of the Group of 77 and China, attended the International Water Conference hosted by Tajikistan in August. “The Dushanbe conference was a milestone achievement and advances the work of fulfilling the objectives of this International Year”, he said.
In commending the Government of Tajikistan, the Prime Minister stated that the level of awareness had certainly been raised, both on the potential for increased cooperation and on the challenges facing water management.
The United Nations General Assembly had declared 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation.
MINFO