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)
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.
