Both organizations have extensive networks of partners/members, with which they work, and which could benefit from mutual experience and knowledge sharing. The missions of GWP CEE and IAWD are complementary, with GWP CEE focusing on advocacy for integrated water resources management and IAWD on sustainable development of water supply and sanitation services.
GWP CEE and IAWD agreed to strengthen a cooperation in knowledge sharing and capacity building activities. Both organizations have a strong commitment to youth and will continue working further towards more active involvement of young water professionals in water governance. Another area of mutual interest is the support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) processes in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that will engage both networks of partners/members.
With IAWD’s extensive technology and engineering expertise, and GWP CEE’s water governance and stakeholder engagement knowledge, both organizations plan to join forces in identifying possibilities for joint project proposals to ensure a better water resource management in the region.
International Association of Water Supply Companies in the Danube River Catchment Area (IAWD) is the prime association of water and wastewater utilities in the Danube region. Established in 1993, IAWD has built a strong network of cooperation in the region, which goes beyond national, cultural and linguistic borders. IAWD supports the utilities directly and through its partners, the national water utility associations, to secure the water quality of the Danube and its tributaries, to make the utility services sustainable, to represent the utilities’ interests and be an established and attractive platform for donors covering the entire region.
Top photo: Danube Water Conference 2018, credit: IAWD