Theme 6: Education, Knowledge and Capacity Building

Topic 6.1: Education and capacity-building strategies

Much money and attention is directed to capacity development. But how successful are we in the development of capacities at different levels, especially on the vocational and operational level? With a vast and fast-growing body of knowledge and experience, how can we ensure all stakeholders, including children, youth and educators, contribute and have equitable and meaningful access? Scientific knowledge must be pertinent to issues on the ground and be shared effectively and rapidly, so that communities with indigenous knowledge may make a difference in reducing the impact of major water problems.

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Topic 6.2: Water science and technology: appropriate and
innovative solutions for the 21st Century

To build a better future, water management strategies could benefit from some thinking outside the water box. Would the incorporation of emerging technologies and unified personalized information platforms create flexible systems that can respond rapidly to change?

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Topic 6.3: Using the Assets of Professional Associations and Networks to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals

While professional associations and networks could potentially play a very significant role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, their role at present is small. This topic concerns the question of whether the development community views professional associations as underutilized assets and how professional associations and networks could be used, encouraged and supported to become key contributors to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

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Topic 6.4: Data for All

Unlocking that data treasure chest is not only a question of access to information, but also of comprehending which elements are most important and which tools can be put in place to best share knowledge. And with just 20% of water-related data readily accessible, can a better scientific and operational understanding of the water cycle already be obtained?

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Topic 6.5: Water and Culture

Cultural diversity and its integration into water management approaches, science, policy-making and capacity-building, offer both opportunities and challenges for sustainable water resources management. Additionally, history offers some important lessons to help solve current and future challenges.

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