United Nations Association of Australia (Victoria) - National Water Conference 2003

Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia

October 7 - 8 2003

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In support of the International Year of Freshwater, The United Nations Association of Australia (Victoria), is holding a two day National Conference, at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on October 7 and 8, 2003.

The Conference, entitled 'Towards a National Water Policy Framework: Vision to Implementation', will focus on the need to develop an integrated national strategy which takes account of the existing COAG reform strategy, related sectors and policies, institutional strengthening, sharing of resources, stakeholder consultation, and integrated resource management.

The Conference will bring together leading experts in the field of water management, from a range of government, private, business, community and NGO sectors.

The International Year of Freshwater (2003) was created in support of the United Nations Millennium Declaration, which calls upon all member states:

"To stop the unsustainable exploitation of water resources by developing water management strategies at the regional, national and local levels, which promote both equitable access and adequate supplies."

Koffi Annan Secretary General, United Nations
Excerpt from the International Year of Freshwater Official Message