Briefing on the 2016 UN World Water Development Report, “Water and Jobs”
1:15 p.m., Thurs., 14 April

Three out of four jobs worldwide are water-dependent. Water shortages and lack of access may limit economic growth in the years to come, according to the 2016 United Nations World Water Development Report, “Water and Jobs.” To promote this global theme, UNESCO is holding a briefing today to examine the key findings of the report.

What: Briefing on the 2016 UN World Water Development Report, “Water and Jobs”

Who: Stefan Uhlenbrook, Coordinator, UN World Water Assessment Programme, UNESCO

When: Thursday, 14 April, 1:15 p.m. EDT

Where: Conference Room 11, UN Headquarters, New York

About the 2016 World Water Development Report:
From its collection to its ultimate return to the natural environment, water is a key factor in the development of job opportunities either directly related to its management (supply, infrastructure, wastewater treatment, etc.) or in economic sectors that are heavily water-dependent such as agriculture, fishing, power, industry and health. Furthermore, good access to drinking water and sanitation promotes an educated and healthy workforce, which constitutes an essential factor for sustained economic growth.

In its analysis of the economic impact of access to water, the report, which was launched in Geneva on World Water Day (22 March), cites numerous studies that show a positive correlation between investments in the water sector and economic growth. It also highlights the key role of water in the transition to a green economy. Water stress and the lack of decent work can exacerbate security challenges, force migration and undo progress made towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Full agenda:
13:15-13:20: Welcome remarks by Marie-Paule Roudil, Director, UNESCO Field Office, New York
13:20-13:25: Opening remarks by Federica Pietracci, Secretary a.i., UN-Water
13:25-13:30: Video message from Irina Bokova, Director-General, UNESCO
13:30-13:50: Presentation of the UN World Water Development Report 2016 by Stefan Uhlenbrook, Coordinator, UN World Water Assessment Programme, UNESCO
13:50-13:55: Video screening, “The Water Rooms”
13:55-14:35: High-Level Panel Debate, “Water and Jobs, The prerequisite to achieve the SDGs”
– Moderated by: Marie-Paule Roudil, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office to the United Nations in New York
– Panellists:
• Usha Rao-Monari, Chief Executive Officer, Global Water Development Partners
• H.E. Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations
• Vinícius Carvalho Pinheiro, Special Representative to the UN and Director, ILO Office for the United Nations, New York
– Q&A
14:35-14:45: Closing Remarks by H.E. Emilia Gatto, Minister Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations

About the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP)
WWAP is the leading UNESCO programme on the assessment, monitoring and reporting on the status of freshwater resources worldwide, and is tasked to inform policymakers and relevant stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities faced by these resources globally. Among other activities, WWAP publishes annually on behalf of UN-Water the United Nations World Water Development Report, considered the most authoritative thematic review of freshwater resources in the United Nations System.

Download the report:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/water/wwap/wwdr/2016-water-and-jobs/

Media contacts:
UNESCO
Ana Persic, T: +1 (212) 963-2007 | E: a.persic@unesco.org

UN Department of Public Information
Daniel Shepard, T: +1 (212) 963-9495 | E: shepard@un.org