Korea to host 2015 World Water Forum

Korea will be host to heads of state, international organizations, academics and industry experts in the world’s largest water-related event in 2015 to address water supplies and other daunting challenges facing mankind.

The government said Wednesday that Daegu and adjacent North Gyeongsang Province have been named hosts of the triennial World Water Forum, routing Scotland’s Glasgow.

Launched in 1997, the forum is aimed at underscoring the significance of water as a policy agenda and devising collective schemes to tackle problems from water supplies to sanitation to access rights.

More than 30,000 people from some 200 countries are expected to take part in the weeklong event, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said. The date of the event is yet to be finalized but will be around March 22, World Water Day.

“The event will prop up Korea’s leadership in green growth and help local businesses spur expansion into the water-related industries,” the ministry said in a statement.

In July, a panel of the World Water Council paid a three-day visit to the region to discuss plans and inspect the proposed venue, transportation and accommodation as well as water systems there. The government announced its bid in 2009.

France’s Marseille is hosting next year’s summit.

According to the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, the forum will bring at least 1,900 jobs and direct economic effects valued at 200 billion won ($176 million).

North Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kwan-yong said the global water market will grow to 1,600 trillion won by 2015, adding that the forum will add momentum to the burgeoning sector.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)