Asia-Pacific Water Forum

Venue for the 1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture

The Asia-Pacific Water Summits, to be organized every two or three years as one of keystone activities of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF), shall target top-level policy and decision-makers beyond the water sector, such as heads of the government and ministers of finance and planning, as well as leaders from the private sector, local governments, civil society and the media.

Following the decision that the 1st Summit would be held in Japan, the JWF sent out letters to prefectural governments and 12 major cities, and placed a notice on its website, calling for applications for a host city. After careful consideration, the JWF decided on the venue for the Summit: Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.

The JWF received nine applications. Based on the applicantsf proposals, hearings, and on-the-spot visits, we decided on the venue from a comprehensive standpoint, which included the standard of the proposals, support systems, assistance measures, events planned for the public, enthusiasm towards hosting the conference, facilities, accommodations, ease of access, and cost. Details of the applicants were reported in the JWF Newsletter Vol.23 (Aug. 2nd).

Oita Prefecture was highly evaluated from several of the points of view mentioned above. As a hub of cultural exchange in the Asia-Pacific region, Oita has been actively involved in an Initiative for the Kyushu Asia Economic Grouping. Moreover, it has promoted cultural exchanges with young people in Asia-Pacific region at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Beppu City). In consideration of these factors, the JWF came to the conclusion that Beppu City was the best place for an international conference that aims to resolve water issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

There are many places in the area that will attract participants' attention. Ancient streets of famous hot spring resorts and rice terraces may be seen everywhere in the prefecture. We hope that the leaders of governments and other organizations in the Asia-Pacific region will be strongly impressed by the beautiful landscapes and the friendly relationship between the Japanese people and water.

The Chikugo River, one of the largest rivers in the Kyushu district, originates in Oita Prefecture, and runs through several other prefectures before flowing into the sea. The proximity of this river will help participants become aware of the importance of the management of trans-boundary rivers, and efforts to tackle water problems in each basin. This is highly relevant, as there are so many trans-boundary rivers in the Asia-Pacific region.

The venue was officially announced at the launching ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum, held in Manila on September 27th.