IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi delivers the opening statement of the Global Water Analysis Laboratory (GloWAL) network launch event.
Through this new network, the IAEA is bringing its considerable resources and expertise to improve water analysis capabilities, to contribute to the attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, on Clean Water and Sanitation.
WD News: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched a global network to empower countries to develop tailored water management strategies. The Global Water Analysis Laboratory (GloWAL) Network provides assistance for member states to generate data on water samples, which can inform national water policies and governance, and to strengthen water management capacity through training fellowships and exchanges of staff.
With water data, policymakers can make informed decisions on siting agricultural activities and urban planning, based on sustainability and quality of bulk water supply.
“Apart from manifestations of policy, promises and descriptions of how dire and severe the situation is, it is important that we take concrete steps together, in order to start redressing the situation and put SDG 6 back on track,” said Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of IAEA, speaking at an IAEA side event to launch the Network.
“The energy water nexus is a crucial area of global focus in the era of climate change,” said Geraldine Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, Department of Energy, United Sates of America, announcing a contribution of $650 000 towards GloWAL through the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative.
Simon Zbinden, Head of Global Programme Water at Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, speaking on behalf of Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, said: “The Swiss Laboratory in Spiez will support GloWAL in terms of analysis and training.”
“We have to improve our understanding of the hydrological cycle,” said Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General from the partnering World Meteorological Organisation.
Source & image courtesy: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
