Fiji is set to make history as the first South Pacific Small Island country to join the International Water Association (IWA) as one of its Governing Members.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and the IWA was led by WAF CEO, Dr Amit Chanan, who is a member of the IWA and holds a position on its Strategic Council.
“The signing of this MOU is a very exciting opportunity for growth in the water sector as it will improve capacity building for WAF, as well as water professionals and academics working on water issues across Fiji,” said Dr Chanan.
“IWA, through its global scope, has a wealth of expertise and knowledge which water professionals in Fiji can greatly benefit from. As per the MOU, WAF staff and other water professionals in Fiji will be able to join as members of IWA, with all the benefits membership entails, including access to 17 peer-reviewed journals with the latest science and engineering developments upon joining, as well as information sharing with fellow experts from around the world.”
Fiji, will join 140 other countries, as a governing member country, with a say in setting IWA strategic opportunities which will help strengthen the ability to tackle water issues at home, as well as for neighbouring Small Island States.
“IWA is already working to establishing targeted program on Water and Sanitation for Small Island States, which will greatly assist us in tackling some of our current challenges through the provision of advice and information sharing,” Dr Chanan added.
The International Water Association is the largest international network of water professionals working towards a water-wise world, with members situated in 140 countries worldwide. The membership of IWA brings together scientists, researchers, technology companies, and water and wastewater utilities, all working to address the world’s most urgent water challenges.
Fiji’s inclusion as a fully fledged IWA Governing member country brings a wide range of benefits to Fiji’s water industry as a whole and will help drive the innovations planned under WAF’s Water Sector 2050 future-facing strategy.
Dr Chanan added “Oceans-Climate Change nexus is at the core of water and sanitation challenges in small island states. Through this partnership we aim to continue solving these water problems not just at home in Fiji, but also help other small island countries.”
