Mexico City - 9/03/2006
The 2nd United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDR2) 'Water, a shared responsibility' presented at a press conference on 9 March at 11 a.m local time (5 p.m. GMT). at the United Nations Information Centre in Mexico City, by Mr. Gordon Young, WWAP Coordinator and Mr. Cristóbal Jaime Jáquez, Director-General of the National Water Commission of Mexico. This Report is a periodic, comprehensive review giving an authoritative picture of the state of the world's freshwater resources, and aiming to provide decision-makers with the tools for sustainable use of our water.

The triennial UN World Water Development Report is a joint undertaking of 24 UN agencies in partnership with governments and other stakeholders, and coordinated by WWAP. WWDR2 will be launched during World Water Day, on 22 of March 2006, at the 4th World Water Forum in Mexico City, Mexico.

The Report builds on the conclusions of the 1st United Nations World Water Development Report 'Water for People, Water for Life' published in 2003. It presents a comprehensive picture of freshwater resources in all regions and most countries of the world as it tracks progress towards the water-related targets of the UN Millennium Development Goals and examines a range of key issues including population growth and increasing urbanization, changing ecosystems, food production, health, industry and energy, as well as risk management, valuing and paying for water and increasing knowledge and capacity. Sixteen case studies look at typical water resource challenges and provide valuable insights into different facets of the water crisis and management responses.

Finally, the report outlines a set of conclusions and recommendations to guide future action and encourage sustainable use, productivity and management of our increasingly scarce freshwater resources.