Gul unges woeld leaders to give highest priority to water problems

The Fifth World Water Forum started yesterday in Istanbul in a bid to seek solutions to the world's rapidly growing water-related problems. Attending the forum are heads of state and government from 25 nations, and water and environment ministers of nearly 200 countries, as well as more than 25,000 participants such as representatives of non-governmental organizations, scholars and water experts from across the world. Addressing a summit of world leaders participating in the forum, President Abdullah Gul said, "In the past, being an environmentalist was seen as a political choice, but today, we must all be environmentalists. Global problems require global solutions. Let me take this opportunity to urge you to lead us to a sustainable future in the 21st century, where our children may gratefully embrace the gift of water and pass it onto future generations as their heritage." Citing the theme of the forum, he added, "I call upon the international community to 'Bridge the Divides for Water' here at the Fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul, where two continents meet." Stressing that sustainable water resources carry great importance for humanity's common future, Gul urged world leaders to prioritize water-related issues at the highest political level. Among the leaders attending the summit were Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo, Monaco's Prince Albert II, Netherlands Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito Kotaishi, and former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori. At the end of the summit, the leaders also signed a consensus document on urgent measures to solve global water problems. It called for new policies, adjustment strategies and institutional reforms concerning water, and for countries to place more importance on international commitments, financial mechanisms, technology and new water management strategies. Also speaking at the summit, Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroglu said that Turkey would determinedly continue to cooperate with the international community to solve global water problems, and to carry out projects around the world to bring drinking water to more people. Eroglu also presented various journalists with the Republic of Turkey Prime Minister's Water Prize, meant to honor individuals who have helped raise awareness of water-related issues around the world. The weeklong forum will end on Sunday.