THE FORUM HISTORY

On January 20, 2009, in Moscow under the patronage of the Government of the Russian Federation and UNITED RUSSIA (Yedinaya Rossiya) All-Russian Political Party the Pure Water International Forum was held, which was dedicated to the fundamental and practical issues of drinking water supply for the population of the Earth, and Russian water industry modernization and development. The forum revealed an exceptionally high level of public attention towards the water-related issues, as there were almost 450 participants. Among the Forum participants there were the members of the Federation Council and the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the leaders of the Government of the Russian Federation, relevant ministries and departments, international institutions, Russian water and wastewater treatment plants, Russian and foreign manufacturers of water treatment equipment and drinking water, as well as the leading scientific institutions. The high status of the event was highlighted by the welcome address to the Forum participants by Prime Minister V.V. Putin. The forum attracted wide public attention, and it was covered by 13 leading TV-channels and over 50 journalists from the leading news agencies, and business and general interest media of the federal and regional level.

Besides the plenary meetings, the forum agenda included round tables, and an exhibition of technical equipment for water treatment. There was a briefing of the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation B.V. Gryzlov and the Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation S.Yu. Orlova.

The main topic of the forum was the establishment of a unified system for water resource management, and improvement of the life expectancy in the country by way of the nation’s health improvement based on access to the high-quality drinking water.

The participants of the forum pointed out the necessity of full-scale implementation of the Pure Water State Program, switch to the practical measures of integrated water sector management system establishment in the Russian Federation, conservation and development of water resources of the country, provision of high-quality drinking water for the population of the country, establishment of favourable investment climate in the water sector, and entrance to the international water market as one of its main participants, and the future leader.

The participants of the forum appreciated the RF Government’s efforts aimed at water resource management optimization and water resource conservation, and noticed, that the Russian leaders have political will, resources, and instruments for implementation of deep and effective reforms in the water sector, as well as responsibility before the current and future generations of Russians, and mankind in general.

The final document of the Forum – a resolution unanimously adopted by the participants – contains an assignment for the Organization Committee to commence preparations for the Pure Water International Forum, where the topics discussed in the course of the past Forum will be further elaborated.

By the decision of the Forum participants, on November 24-25, 2009, in Moscow the Pure Water 2009 1st International Forum took place. The number of the participants was 950, including the leaders of Russian and foreign authorities, ministries, departments, diplomatic representatives, leading scientists, representatives of United Nations and UNESCO, entrepreneurs, and leaders of non-governmental organizations. The participants of the Forum came from 47 countries of the world. The discussions were covered by more than 70 Russian and foreign broadcasting companies. The participants of the International Forum were welcomed by the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, and the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

In the course of the Forum, at the plenary meetings, thematic sessions, and round tables the most acute and topical issues of the water industry were discussed. The participants of the Forum exchanged their opinions, discussed strategic ways of development, and elaborated recommendations concerning further development of the water sector, and pure water supply for the population. Access to pure water shall become one of the principal elements of global cooperation.

As a result of the free exchange of opinion, the issue of pure water supply for the mankind was analyzed from various stand-points, and various proposals were submitted and took into account. During the forum, it was mentioned that the natural freshwater resources are among the most important independent national patrimony, requiring protection and careful usage. The participants of the forum noticed the need for purposeful development of ecological consciousness of the population, as well as educational and public awareness campaigns primarily aimed at young people and children. In this connection, during the first day of the Forum a directly broadcasted all-Russian Lesson of Pure Water was held with participation of children from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sochi.

In accordance with the resolution of the Government of the RF of July 26, 2010 No. 1250-r, the Pure Water - 2010 International Forum is being prepared and held by Russian Water Society non-profit organization. The forum will take place on October 20-23, 2010, in Moscow, at the premises of the Expocentre Central Exhibition Venue (14, Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment).

At the session of the Government of the RF on July 29, 2010, a decision was made, providing for implementation of the Pure Water program in Russia, starting from 2011. The measures and financing for the program are planned through the year 2013, inclusive. It is assumed, that RUR 3 billion for implementation of the Pure Water program will be annually provided from the federal budget, and the regional budgets will ensure the same amount.

As a result of the Pure Water program implementation, by 2020, the share of the country population, having access to a centralized water supply system, will increase by 40 per cent, and, according to the expert assessment, the life expectancy in Russia will increase by 5-7 years.