In a first for the Pacific, Fiji is set to join the International Water Association (IWA) as one of its Governing Members.
Via the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and the IWA, Fiji will access benefits other 140 members enjoy including getting hold of 17 peer-reviewed journals with the latest science and engineering developments as well as information sharing with fellow experts from
around the world.
In addition as a governing member country, Fiji gets to have a say in setting IWA strategic opportunities, the impact of which will strengthen WAFs ability to tackle water issues at home and 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,” WAF CEO Dr Amit Chanan said.
“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.
“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.”
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.
