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S. Korea showcases smart water management at world forum

April 16, 2015

DAEGU, April 16 (Yonhap) — South Korea on Thursday offered a glimpse into what could help the world overcome the problem of water shortage, introducing its information technology-based management of water at the global water forum under way in this southeastern city.

In a special session attended by some 1,300 people, the state-run Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) unveiled its smart water management initiative, which utilizes the country’s advanced information communication technology (ICT) to help minimize water leakage.

“The smart water management initiative helps improve the reliability, soundness and efficiency of water management with ICT-based water management systems all through the water cycle, which ranges from water sources to end users,” K-Water said.

The introduction of the country’s smart water management initiative came as the 7th World Water Forum nears the end of its six-day run.

Participants listen to a presentation by the state-run Korea Water Resources Corp., introducing its smart water management system at the 7th World Water Forum in Daegu, South Korea, on April 16, 2015. (Yonhap)

Participants listen to a presentation by the state-run Korea Water Resources Corp., introducing its smart water management system at the 7th World Water Forum in Daegu, South Korea, on April 16, 2015. (Yonhap)

The water forum, a triennial event first held in 1997, began Sunday here with some 1,800 participants, including government ministers, experts and activists from around the world. This year’s event was also expected to attract some 35,000 visitors, making it the world’s largest water event.

The forum, jointly hosted by the neighboring city of Gyeongju, sought to create a political momentum for global efforts to tackle various issues related to water, including water shortage and sanitation, while also discussing the scientific and technological aspects of global water issues for the first time.

On Monday, ministers and heads of delegations from more than 100 countries adopted a joint declaration, calling for joint efforts to address and overcome water-related issues.

“We reaffirm that water is at the core of sustainable development and support its inclusion of one dedicated water goal and water-related targets in the Post-2015 Development Agenda,” it said.

On Wednesday, some 70 legislators from 30 countries issued a separate statement, dubbed the Parliamentarian Statement, in which they pledged to promote international cooperation on water problems, according to local organizers of the forum.