‘Post MDGs Socio-Political DynamicsWater, Health, Environment and

Sustainable Development’Paper Presentation by:

Abdul ‘Dewale Mohammed Founder and Executive

President, Africa Asia Scholars Global Network

‘Post MDGs Socio-Political DynamicsWater, Health, Environment and

Sustainable Development’Paper Presentation by:

Abdul ‘Dewale Mohammed Founder and Executive

President, Africa Asia Scholars Global Network

Water, Ecology and Environmental Protection International Conference

Sias International UniversityMay 23rd-25th, 2013

Zhengzhou, Henan, China

• Water is essential as the air we breathe, its sustained management cannot be over-emphasised for human existence and the environment.

• With about 450 agreements on international water signed between 1820 and 2007, Government policy operations on water and sustainable development has failed to translate into concrete and multiplying actions.

• Positive socio-political dynamics for solving human and environment concerns and ending the trauma on commoners remain crucial.

• Distinct, exemplary and intensive political action required at all levels.

• Full commitment and consistency of purpose, concerted drive and interdisciplinary actions from the highest levels of government.

• Need for fundamental new approaches to the assessment, development and management of freshwater resources and the environment.

Drive for water resource management.

• The world grapples with the scare and threats of climate change, water scarcity, health and environmental pollution, devastating floods and droughts

• Calls for cooperation of multi-national corporations and investors

• Public capacity building, people-to-people consultations and integrated awareness campaigns inadequate.

• Implementation of government policies at grass root levels essential.

• Adequate investments and effective resource management needed.

• Good governance, dynamic inter-ministerial, inter-regional and international cooperation to combat mounting challenges of the 21st century.

Clear and Courteous Policy Guidelines

• Population growth, changes in lifestyle heightened the pressure on water resources however Africa and Asia’s abundant water is threatened by poor sanitation, lack of investment and resource management.

• Preserving water resources and combating food insecurity, pollution and rising threats from drought , floods and the discomfort of climate change impact -

• - multiple centres of control,

• - effective frameworks,

• - reduced inequalities,

• - free access to information and meaningful participation of stakeholders,

• - integration and strengthening of commitment,

• - promotion and exchanges of practical and commendable practices.

Good and transparent governance

• Disasters to human existence and sustainable development are unilaterally man-made and not commonly infused by nature.

• Political Will and Consistent Commitment’ in policy formulation, implementation and evaluation, couple with ‘openness and transparency in governance’ .

• People’s empowerment and involvement at all levels of integration and joint forces for their common purpose, vital for sustained environment.

Remedy for water resource preservation and distribution.

In 2000, according to statisticians, 17% of the world's population did not have access to a secure water supply and 40% lacked adequate sanitation. Most of these people are said to live in Africa and Asia.

• Need for concrete outcome on the broadening of political and public policy legitimacy of environmental concerns in Africa.

• With a review of Rio+20 outcome document, government should adopt strategies that would catalyse new wave of sustainable development .

• The public and private sector need to strengthen cooperation at social, economic, technical and scientific level.

• Promotion of a Green Economy, effective regional and international cooperation and transfer of efficient resources.

Participation in Decisions

concerns for people living in remote and marginal areas such as city slums, shanty towns, mountains and deserts.

natural and human threats to rural communities are that of frail institutions, partial infrastructure and scanty resources.

policy implementation on ‘Climate Change, Disasters & Conflicts, Ecosystem Management, Environmental Governance, Harmful Substances and Resource Efficiency’ to be reviewed.

critical changes in public policy reinforced through positive and non-exploitative action essential.

effect practical and lasting solution through tangible collaboration between governments, non-governmental agencies, international agencies, the private sector and higher educational institutions.

the complex challenges

• promote cohesive partnership and resource sharing

• replicate good practices through strategic and effective cooperation framework.

• acknowledge the incorporation and transference of good practices.

• establish a framework that will integrate economic, environmental and social dimensions, development policies and strategies.

• consolidate government, public and private sector commitment to high level biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction.

• gains made at Rio+20 not only secured, but shared and built upon .

• Identify and celebrate good practices and global achievements.

Water and Post MDGS

Empower agencies and experts as well as governments genuinely committed to making the critical change in the delivery of far reaching policies that will help turn people’s lives around for good.

Stake holders effective collaboration with international agencies such as

- the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

- the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),

- the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

- the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

- the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) UNEP & UNESCO

Actions & Commitment to Change

Review of past and present environmental policies

lack of the enabling institutions and infrastructure to maintain, monitor, appraise and enhance outcomes and resolutions emanating from intellectual forums and government reforms.

Incorporate the organised private sector and the civil society (NGOs) in policy development, evaluation and implementation.

Remove barriers to increased investment and development assistance.

Balanced policy implementation and resource management.

Joined up investment

Cohesive partnership and replication of good practices.

Technology transfer transforms developments where political will is uncompromised.

Models to be identified, tactics reviewed, good practices virtually shared, and replicated to fortify developmental outcomes and avoid past mistakes

Adequate investment backed with evidenced transparency and accountability.

De-politicising human and environmental development

Today’s environmental, ecological and socio-economic impact is devastating on human lives

Waste management, sewage treatment, .deforestation, soil degradation, climate change and global warming are grave.

Integrated socio-economic development framework should be devoid of political milleu

Water and waste pollution are results of haphazard industrial planning, increased urbanization, poverty and lack of management and competency .

MDGs - Governments’ remain to attain set standard and goals on clean water and sustainable environment.

The engagement of people and the civil society in tackling their immediate concerns and environment is the wisest and most cost effective way of solving environmental, social and economic problems.

More than 85% of diseases in developing countries are related to dirty water and poor sanitation.

For example Nigeria’s Delta region, home of the large oil industry, continues to experience serious oil spills and other environmental problems, which has caused devastating conflicts, deaths and untold hardship.

Open engagement of communities in solving water, sanitation, floods droughts and other environment concerns, will help reduce the impact of climate change and the impeding water crisis.

Governments’ through closer consultations and transparent negotiations, have to win people’s trust.

Promote greater awareness and participation of people in solving social and economic issues that directly affect them and their environments.

Integrate water management into all development policies and joined up action with health, education, science and technology, environment, energy and agriculture ministries.

21st Century Challenges

No development without water

Need for integrated cooperation holistic and strategic approach for the effective management of water resources, its exploration, preservation, usage and effectual recycling.

AAP-WHERDECEstablish an Africa Asia Pacific- Water Health Environment Resource Development Centre: study analyse and share empirical data. offer expertise on water resources, health and the

environment. educate and empower disadvantaged societies. diagnose recommendations by state parties and non-

governmental organizations.conduct appraisals, evaluation and monitor effects and impact of government policies.

Centre of Excellencedevelop an infrastructure framework that enhances modelled strategic service delivery.

celebrate and promote good practice, interactive multidisciplinary and integrated consultation.

provide specialist support, develop and promote good and effective policies.

 maintain a ‘Hall of Fame’ in honour of renowned advocates on water, health and the environment.

.

AAP-WHERDEC: a Centre of Excellencegenerate thematic forums, in ensuring key points of policy intervention and expertise exchange.

ensure rural communities have infrastructure support to shape the delivery of public services.

develop capacity to advocate and deliver positive intervention and contribution to sustainable growth.