(Stockholm, 19 August 2009) – The UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate, in partnership with the Pacific Institute, convened its fourth working conference in Stockholm on 16 – 18 August – an event that drew approximately 100 water experts and practitioners from business, civil society, the public sector and other interests.
The conference – which took place amid World Water Week in Stockholm – included a series of sessions including a general public-information briefing on the CEO Water Mandate, followed by two multi-stakeholder working sessions focusing on three themes: responsible corporate engagement in public policy; water and human rights; and water disclosure.
“This conference focused on several complex and challenging issues, including public policy engagement and human rights in the context of water stewardship”, said Gavin Power, Deputy Director of the UN Global Compact. “The event was extremely notable in the active and constructive dialogue that took place between business and civil society on issues of some sensitivity”.
Mr. Power said that the discussions will help inform the development of a guide to responsible corporate engagement in public policy, which the CEO Water Mandate is undertaking in partnership with the Pacific Institute. In addition, the CEO Water Mandate has formed a working group of water and human rights to explore the various dimensions of a rights-based approach to water-resource management.
A report of the working conference will be published in the coming weeks.
Contact
Gavin Power
Deputy Director
UN Global Compact
powerg@un.org
Jason Morrison
Program Director
Pacific Institute
jmorrison@pacinst.org