DAEGU < invest Korea

According to Yonhap News,

(DAEGU/GYEONGJU=Yonhap News) Government officials and experts from around the world sought to find joint solutions to various water-related challenges facing the world Tuesday, the third day of a global water forum under way in these southeastern cities.

The 7th World Water Forum (WWF), which began on Sunday for a six-day run, has brought together some 1,800 government officials, including ministers, and experts from around the world while it is also expected to attract some 35,000 visitors.

The WWF is the world's largest water event in which world leaders, experts, business officials and activist groups gather to discuss political and technological aspects of global concerns regarding water shortage issues.

The third day of the event began with a number of sessions that included a group discussion on partnership between the public and private sectors in tackling various water issues ranging from water shortage and sanitation to joint management of water resources.

It followed a call for joint efforts to deal with global water issues from Yoo Il-ho, South Korea's minister of land, infrastructure and transport.

"Water is crucial for the existence and prosperity of mankind, but many parts of the world are suffering from difficulties related to water shortages. The problem should be tackled by the entire world, not by one country," he said while speaking at a ministerial meeting Monday.

Dozens of other sessions were scheduled for the third day of the event as the participants are seeking to discuss the scientific and technological aspects of global water issues for the first time since the WWF was first held in 1997, according to organizers.

One of the sessions was expected to focus on finding non-conventional and alternative ways to ensure water security while another session was scheduled for discussions on low-cost, decentralized and community-based water services for rural areas, slums and in low-income countries.

South Korea will also continue to use the venue as a chance to establish bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

South Korea and the United States were set to jointly host a seminar on promoting flood and climate change preparedness in U.S. and Korean cities, according to the organizers.

bdk@yna.co.kr

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