Press release 16 November 2018
The High-Level Conference of the China Europe Water Platform (CEWP) for water cooperation between China and the European Union sought solutions to global challenges that threaten water supply and security.
The Sixth Annual High-Level Dialogue Conference was held in Beijing on 7–8 November. The Conference was hosted by the Chinese Minister of Water Resources, Mr. E Jingping and attended by high-level delegations from the EU Member States and European Commission.
The main theme of the Conference was water governance in the new era. Due to water stress and climate change there is a need for increased cross-sectoral cooperation and policy coherence. The sessions of the Conference focused on green growth, circular economy, sustainable use of natural resources, and structures of the financial basis of the water sector.
“Increased cooperation among international operators in the water sector and deepening the EU-Chinese partnership in water issues are at the heart of water security and sustainable use of natural resources”, says Mr. Seppo Rekolainen, Director of International Water Cooperation at the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, who also heads the European Secretariat of the CEWP.
The purpose of the China Europe Water Platform, established in 2012, is to enhance policy dialogue and research and business cooperation on water issues between the two continents. Finland is the lead country of the EU in CEWP in 2018–2019. During the term, the particular focus will be on promoting the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Inquiries:
Seppo Rekolainen, Director of International Water Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Finland, tel. +358 295 162 086, seppo.rekolainen@mmm.fi