The Ingenieur Vol. 65 Water Power | Page 57

THE HASHIMOTO ACTION PLAN III By Chong Sam Moi A REPORT ccording to the United Nations, the annual recommended requirement of water per person is between 5,000 gallons and 10,000 gallons. Water is linked to food, manufacturing and energy. Globally, 70 % of water is used for agriculture. The nexus between water availability and global consumption of food, manufactured goods and services are closely linked. For instance, a kg of potatoes from Australia on the dining table requires 547 litres of water to grow. It is important that water management is tackled globally. The United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board (UNSGAB) which is committed to continue its advocacy effort through 2016 on water and sanitation challenges, has formulated a set of activities as part of the Hashimoto Action Plan III. Hashimoto Action Plan III Hashimoto Action Plan III The Hashimoto Action Plan III The UNSGAB is a diverse group of eminent people committed to helping solve the world’s water and sanitation challenges. UNSGAB, which has 23 members, was established in March 2004 by the former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. The current Secretary-General, Ban Kimoon endorsed the Board and asked members to continue their work. The Chairperson of UNSGAB is His Royal High­ness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan and the Honorary President is His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince of Japan. The United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation Strategy and Objectives through 2015 www.unsgab.org ●● Role of UNSGAB The UNSGAB’s role is to identify and work with others to promote and foster action related to water and sanitation issues. The Board advises the Secretary-General, raises public awareness and galvanizes Governments and international organi­s ations to advance the global water and sanitation agenda. Achievements to date include: ●● ●● creating the Global Water Operator’s Partnership Alliance (GWOPA) concept which is now run by UN-Habitat; initiating an advocacy campaign to meet the MDG sanitation target which is now led by UN-Water encouraging International Financial Institutions to increase focus and funding for sanitation and water; fostering the High-Level Panel on Water and Disaster (HELP) in establishing a global plan for implementation; putting wastewater collection, treatment and reuse on the development agenda; and 55