SIWI integral in water governance principles welcomed by OECD Ministers

On Thursday 4 June, Ministers from OECD’s 34 member countries welcomed the new OECD Principles on Water Governance. Part of a multi-stakeholder approach, SIWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Håkan Tropp played an important role in developing the principles. They were endorsed by a large number of public, private and non-profit organizations, including SIWI, at the 7th World Water Forum in in Korea.

“The support from OECD countries for these principles is fantastic, and we hope that it can also inspire countries outside the OECD to work more systematically with water governance. It is the key to many of the water issues we are facing today”, says Dr. Tropp.

The 12 Principles set standards for the more effective, efficient and inclusive design and implementation of water policies by providing a framework for governments. Ministers also backed the Principles, and will use them to provide a broader OECD perspective on water management, as well as encourage governments to put the Principles into action.

The Daegu Multi-Stakeholder Declaration gathers 65 signatures from organizations, major groups and individuals, actively engaged in the OECD Water Governance Initiative, in support of the OECD Principles. The next steps will include identifying and scaling up best practices to support the implementation of the Principles.

Sweden’s Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, Mr. Mikael Damberg represented Sweden at the Ministerial Conference Meeting where the principles were officially welcomed.