“I believe the work of the Global Water Partnership is crucial to our human development. The vision of the organization, which I share, is for a water-secure world. It is a vision we must embrace and work towards as a global community. I look forward to championing the work of the Global Water Partnership as a Patron of the organization”, says President Sirleaf.
President Sirleaf is the 24th President of the Republic of Liberia and the first elected female Head of State in Africa. In 2011, she was one of a trio of women to win the Nobel Peace Prize "for their nonviolent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work."
In her efforts to contribute to peace and development in Liberia and the world, she co-chaired a United Nations High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda last year. She was later chosen by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union to work towards an African common position in the final post-2015 document. President Sirleaf is also a Goodwill Ambassador for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Africa.
“We are very pleased to have President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf join our organization as a Patron. Her contributions will strengthen our joint efforts to improve the lives of people through improved water security.” says Ursula Schaefer-Preuss, GWP Chair.
A GWP Patron represents and promotes GWP globally and regionally, to leaders, policy makers, media, and the general public. They may also be requested to advise GWP on its work or represent GWP leadership at high level events.
Background on The Global Water Partnership
Global Water Partnership (GWP) is committed to building a water secure world. GWP is an intergovernmental organisation and a global network of 13 Regional Water Partnerships, 85 Country Water Partnerships and more than 3,000 Partner organizations in 167 countries. Since its inception in 1996, GWP network partners have worked with countries around the world to advance governance and management of water resources for sustainable development.