Second Asia-Pacific Water Summit opened

The second Asia-Pacific Water Summit opened on May 19 in Chiang Mai province, Thailand , to seek answers to the world's drought, flood and wastewater problems.

The second Asia-Pacific Water Summit opened on May 19 in Chiang Mai province, Thailand , to seek answers to the world's drought, flood and wastewater problems. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadi addresses the event

The summit entitled "Water Security and Water-related Disaster Challenges: leadership and commitment" has drawn over 2,000 political leaders, high-ranking officials, water experts and engineers from 37 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. 

“Today's meeting reflects the strong joint efforts and the commitment of the Asia-Pacific countries in addressing water security and water-related disaster challenges, which affect the lives of individuals, local communities, and societies at all levels," Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, who chairs the Water and Flood Management Commission, said in welcome remarks at the opening of focus area sessions. 

Seven major topics were discussed at the sessions on May 19, including Economic, Food, and Water Security; Urban Water Security; Environmental Water Security; Water-related Disaster Challenges; Household Water Security; Water Risks and Resilience; and Integrated Water Resources Management Process for a Water Secure World. 

The Government of Thailand began preparations for the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in November 2009. This Summit was originally planned for February 5-6, 2012 in Bangkok , but was rescheduled to May 19-20, 2013 in Chiang Mai because of the historical floods that devastated Thailand in 2011.