Address by His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince of Japan
on the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth World Water Forum
on March 16, 2006, in Mexico City
President Fox,
His Royal Highness,
Co-chairs of the International Organizing Committee,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure for me to attend the Fourth World Water Forum here in Mexico City, together with so many participants from nations all over the world.
I participated, as Honorary President, in the Third World Water Forum, held in Japan three years ago. The Third Forum was attended not only by representatives of states and international organizations but also by many people including representatives of non governmental organizations, all of whom joined in the discussions on water issues. I feel that the Third Forum contributed greatly to producing many concrete commitments and to enhancing the awareness of world water issues. I myself was able to deepen my understanding of various water problems that the world faces.
I am pleased to see that, since then, many serious global activities have taken place in various regions of the world, including the establishment of the United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation and the launching of the International Decade for Action "Water for Life" 2005-2015. In addition, we see developments, in Africa, with the strengthened activities of the African Ministers' Conference on Water and, in the Asian and Pacific region, with a new movement towards the creation of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum.
Unfortunately, however, little progress has been made, despite continuous efforts by many people of the world towards dealing with water supply and sanitation issues included in the Millennium Development Goals. It is also of utmost urgency and importance that measures be taken to cope with an increasing number of water-related disasters, such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami and major hurricanes and typhoons, resulting in so much serious damage to so many people.
The main theme of the Fourth World Water Forum is "Local Action for a Global Challenge". The Forum reinforces the actions for commitments started at the Third World Water Forum. I welcome this trend and hope that it will lead to the improvement of water-related issues in all regions of the world.
From early history, this region of Mexico has enjoyed the prosperity of very advanced civilizations such as the Maya. I have been informed that, today, here in the United Mexican States, the central and local governments are cooperating to overcome the water problems that are different in the northern and the southern parts of the country.
At the 2005 World Exposition, held in Aichi, Japan, last year, the pavilion of the United Mexican States successfully exhibited the relationship of water, nature and civilization. It was recognized with the Nature's Wisdom Award by the panel of judges at the Exposition. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the government and the people of Mexico in this respect.
Finally, I wish to express my sincere hope that this World Water Forum, held at the invitation of the government of the United Mexican States, will mark a big step towards the solution of water problems that the world continues to face.
