The Covid-19 pandemic with its many social and economic consequences is a real global challenge. Our thoughts go to all those who are living difficult times, whether it be family or professional. We have to adapt to this unprecedented situation, which requires innovation in all areas.
It is in this context that we remain fully committed, together with all actors and our partners, to the preparation of the 9th World Water Forum to be held in Dakar from 22 to 27 March 2021. We are continuing to lay the various milestones towards this major event which will enable the world of water to meet in the Senegalese capital and provide adequate responses to the challenges relating to water and sanitation.
We’ve just set up the pilot and action groups on the four priorities. This is an important step toward developing the thematic content of the event. We would like to thank the many people from around the world who have applied to participate in the exchanges, which illustrates the great interest in the Forum. I am convinced that the work that is being undertaken will result in high-quality contributions.
Nothing will be overlooked in ensuring that the Forum is prepared in the best possible conditions with the involvement of all stakeholders. One of the means is to strengthen collective work in a virtual way. The next Forum is all the more important as it will place water at the top of the international agenda after the pandemic. Water is indeed at the heart of the fight against Covid-19 with barrier gestures, especially handwashing with soap. In the future, nothing should be as before because the current crisis teaches us that we must inspire changes and new behaviors in our organizations and communities. In March 2021, together we will be able to give impetus in this direction.
By Abdoulaye Sène, Executive Secretary of the 9th World Water Forum
