Water : first international Forum on 'blue gold' in Milan

Milan - 'Rules of Water, Rules for Life'. This is the title of the first edition of the international Forum currently held in Milan, under the patronage of the Italian Presidency of the G7, on the theme of water as a legal asset and as a key element of sustainable development. The 'Rules of Water, Rules for Life' program of the Forum focuses on two crucial themes: water resources management in metropolitan areas and gender sensitive water policies. Organized by the Milan Center for Food Law and Policy, it is scientifically supported by the OECD Water Governance Programme and from the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme. The Forum is meant to provide a platform for discussion that promotes multisectoral discussion and experience sharing among representatives of the academic community, lawmakers, regulators, experts from the private sector, international organizations, and governmental and civil society bodies. The year 2017 also marks the 25th anniversary of the Dublin Principles and thus represents an excellent occasion to review them and improve their implementation, verify that they have been integrated into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, share the lessons learned and - in partnership with the event's scientific partners - disseminate actionable policy recommendations for both international and local players. This two-day Forum is also an opportunity for more than 60 experts from 14 different countries in the world to discuss the future of water: how to waste less water, how to make better use of it, and how to manage and regulate blue gold. Three women, one Somali (Amina Abdulkadir), one American (Erika Weinthal) and one Italian (Mara Tignino) were also awarded the first 'Women Peacebuilders for Water' (WPW) international award dedicated to female individuals who commit to resolve water-related conflicts. "A more equitable distribution of resources, food and water would be a significant contribution to peace among peoples. This is exactly why women play a key role, which is recognized by this award," said Diana Bracco, President of Fondazione Milano per Expo, which promoted the award, when explaining the reason why the award was established. The Forum was also attended by the President of Confindustria, Vincenzo Boccia, who believes that "economic thought must have a very clear idea of our future society through the circular economy", which "is not only a trend, but a concept of society and of how the industry can play an important part in this". In this respect, "Italy can face an important and complementary challenge. We need to go beyond the concept that the industry is harmful to the environment, and vice versa. This idea of society must make us all feel responsible," Vincenzo Boccia concluded.