Goal 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
International & Global Collaborations
AASTMT Member in The Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA)
The Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA), led by UN-Habitat, was established in 2009 to facilitate Water Operator's Partnerships (WOPs) — collaborative initiatives between water and sanitation operators to enhance capacity and performance in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for universal access to water and sanitation. Key actions and contributions of GWOPA include:
- Capacity Building: GWOPA supports water and sanitation operators through capacity-building initiatives, offering training, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing platforms to strengthen their ability to manage resources and improve service delivery.
- Knowledge Exchange: The alliance promotes the exchange of best practices and experiences among water operators through peer-to-peer learning and knowledge-sharing events, facilitating cross-regional learning.
- Partnerships and Networking: GWOPA fosters partnerships among water operators, governments, NGOs, and the private sector. By creating a collaborative network, the alliance enhances coordination and cooperation to address common challenges in the water and sanitation sector.
- Advocacy and Awareness: GWOPA advocates for the significance of water and sanitation services in achieving sustainable development. The alliance raises awareness and promotes the value of water services, contributing to increased support and investment in the water sector.
- Support for Public Water Utilities: Recognizing the vital role of public water utilities, GWOPA focuses on supporting them in delivering sustainable and equitable water services, emphasizing their importance in achieving universal access.
- Inclusive and Participatory Approaches: GWOPA encourages inclusive and participatory approaches in water governance by involving local communities, vulnerable groups, and stakeholders in decision-making processes to promote sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation services.
The Fifth Meeting of the PIANC Working Group Titled: ‘Guidelines For Inland Waterways Infrastructures To Facilitate Tourism’
Professor Akram Soliman Elselmy, Dean of the Port Training Institute and a Professor of Port Planning and Coastal Engineering at the Arab Academy, recently participated in the fifth meeting of the Working Group responsible for PIANC's activities in Inland Waterways. This group is focused on creating an Infrastructure Development Guide to promote tourism. The meeting was conducted online, and these sessions occur on a monthly basis. In March 2022, they are planning to hold a meeting in conjunction with the "Marlog 11" International Maritime Transport and Logistics conference organized by the (AASTMT) in Alexandria, Egypt. PIANC, founded in 1885 and based in Brussels, provides guidance and technical expertise to enhance sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure for ports, marinas, and waterways worldwide.
