The Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, officially opened the 5th Session of the Partners Coordination Platform(PCP) in Abuja today, 29th July 2024.
A statement made available on Tuesday by the Director Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs.Funmi Imuetinyan said, the event marks the first time the PCP is being held outside the African Union Commission (AUC) Complex and has gathered a diverse array of stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
In his welcome address, Prof. Utsev, represented by Dr. Dumebi Madu, Director 2 of the Water Quality Control and Sanitation Department of the Ministry, expressed his gratitude to the African Union Commission (AUC) and African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) for co-convening the forum in Abuja.
He highlighted the significance of Nigeria hosting the AMCOW Secretariat since its inception in 2002 and emphasized the critical role of water and sanitation in sustainable development, as well as in achieving the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Prof. Utsev underscored the urgent need for improved water security, emphasizing that progress in sanitation, hygiene, and water security directly impacts other social and economic sectors, with failures in these areas impeding progress across all sustainable development goals.
He noted that, given the critical role of water and sanitation in Africa and its implications for regional integration, peace, and security, there is a growing need to enhance coordination at all levels.
He stressed that water security is as crucial as food security and stressed that Africa is not making satisfactory progress in this area.
To effectively address issues, including the impact of climate change, Prof. Utsev emphasized the necessity of strong partnerships, enhanced coordination, and collective efforts with Africa’s strategic development partners to ensure sustainable water management, including in transboundary basins.
Reflecting on the upcoming milestone year of 2025 for the Africa Water Vision 2025, Prof. Utsev emphasized the importance of formulating a Post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Continental Water Policy.
He expressed confidence that the outcomes of this meeting would significantly contribute to discussions during the 9th Africa Water Week in Cairo, Egypt.
The Minister concluded by thanking all delegates for their participation and officially declared the 5th Session of the Partners Coordination Forum (PCP) open, wishing everyone productive discussions.
The distinguished attendees included Harsen Nyambe Nyambe, Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the AUC; Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, AMCOW Executive Secretary; members of the AMCOW Technical Advisory Committee (TAC); and representatives of member states.
Also present were members of the Partners Coordination Platform (PCP), delegates from the AUC, representatives of various development partners, including UN agencies, colleagues from the AMCOW Secretariat, and other key stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector.
