Australian Water Partnership launched at Riversymposium

The Australian Water Partnership was launched today by the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Peter N Varghese AO, during the opening plenary of the 18th International Riversymposium:

“Today it gives me great pleasure to officially launch the Australian Water Partnership – an investment of $20 million over four years through which Australia will provide further help to countries in our region to improve the sustainable management of their water resources. I acknowledge the Chair of the AWP, Dr Kaye Schofield AM, who has joined us here on the dais for the launch. I wish Kaye and the broadly based Australian Water Partnership committee well as they work to strengthen Australia’s engagement with the region and contribute to overcoming water scarcity and insecurity as a key constraint to economic development.”

Peter Varghese AO, DFAT Secretary (read the full speech at dfat.gov.au)

Peter Varghese AO, DFAT Secretary, launches the Australian Water Partnership at the opening plenary of the 18th International Riversymposium (Credit: International RiverFoundation / Fletcher Photography).

A dedicated special session in the afternoon—presented by Russell Rollason (DFAT), Jane Doolan (AWP) and Colin Chartres (AWP)—provided presentations on key issues in the Indo-Pacific, regional views on the demand for Australian knowledge and partnerships, and the AWP’s strategic focus and practice.

For the duration of the RiverExpo the AWP space is providing a meeting place for delegates to learn more about the work it will be undertaking in the Indo-Pacific.