World Water Day 2016 in Cambodia

On March 26, 2016, Enrich Institute in partnership with Cambodian Ministry of Rural Development, Cambodian Water Supply Association, International WaterCentre, Unicef, WHO, and Plan International organized World Water Day 2016 in Cambodia.

World Water Day is an international observance and an opportunity to learn more about water related issues, be inspired to tell others and take action to make a difference.  Under the theme ‘Water and Jobs’, the year 2016 provides an important opportunity to consolidate and build upon the previous World Water Days to highlight the two-way relationship between water and the decent work agenda in the quest for sustainable development.

Today, almost half of the world's workers - 1.5 billion people - work in water related sectors and nearly all jobs depend on water and those that ensure its safe delivery. Yet the millions of people who work in water are often not recognized or protected by basic labour rights. The theme in 2016 - water and jobs -show how enough quantity and quality of water can change workers' lives and livelihoods - and even transform societies and economies. 

It is estimated that over 1 million additional water related workers are needed in the South Asia and Pacific region in order to tackle the challenges posed by population growth and climate change. Capacity development has so far concentrated on providing mixtures of different skills but some are related to water.

In Cambodia, water related workers working in Cambodia are various typically either civil engineers, medical doctors or have high school education /vocational training.  Very few are actually trained in a broad range of water skills.  

Water sector is not a famous interest among many people while our future is lying on water. Shaping water talent is crucial for a nation but difficult to bring everyone on the same page.  Attracting more people to participate in this agenda requires willingness to build motivation and needs to be supported to work together especially to engage young generations in water issues.

The World Water Day 2016 in Cambodia was organized to:

• Raise awareness among participants on the link between water and sustainable development
• Provide networking opportunity for professionals in the water sector
• Built the capacity of the participant on water related knowledge
• Explore research and project activities to address water challenges in Cambodia

The event was participated by 200 stakeholders and  included engaging discussions and games for participants, an outdoor exhibition with different sectors and organizations showcasing their work around water. There were also panels on water and climate change and water leadership. 

Opening remark by Dr. Mao Saray, Director of Department of Rural Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, Cambodia

Panel discussion on the topic "Water and Climate Change"

Water Product Exhibition