The Ministry of Environment (Minister Kim Wansup) announced that the ‘Korea International Water Week 2024’ will be held at EXCO (located in Buk-gu, Daegu) from November 13 to 16.

The Korea International Water Week is the largest international event in the water sector held annually since 2016 to enhance Korea’s international standing in the water field and support the overseas expansion of the domestic water industry. It is jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment, the City of Daegu, K-water, and the Korea Environment Corporation (KECO), with the Korea Water Forum serving as the main organizer.

This year’s event is expected to include water sector high-ranking officials* from various countries, such as the Ministry of Equipment and Water of Morocco, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of Cambodia, and the American Water Works Association, along with water-related experts from over 70 countries worldwide.

* Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water of Morocco; Carlos Primo, Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines; Phon Sachak, Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology of Cambodia; Ceryl Porter, President of the American Water Works Association; Lee Soon-tak, President of the International Association of Hydrology and Water Environment; etc.

This event has been organized with a main theme of “Building Smart Water Future by Sharing Experience and Technology” and a sub-theme of “Digital Stream: Navigating towards the Future for Water,” encompassing a total of over 50 programs, including high-level meetings, international academic forums, domestic and international competitions, and exhibitions. Through this, South Korea’s excellent water management policies and technologies will be shared with the world.

At the high-level meeting in the water sector, called the Water Leaders Roundtable, senior officials from around the world will gather to share ways to wisely address water issues caused by climate change and will adopt an executive declaration reflecting the commitment to efforts aimed at reducing the gaps in policies and technologies between countries.

At the ‘World Water Partnership,’ representatives from the countries that hosted the World Water Forum will participate to share the results of the 10th World Water Forum held in Bali, Indonesia, in May of this year, and to exchange opinions regarding the direction of the 11th World Water Forum, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. 

Academic programs such as the ‘Technology, Implementation, and Policy (TIP) Platform’ and 20 special sessions discussing key issues related to water will be held, along with water problem-solving competitions like the World Water Challenge and the Korea Junior Water Prize. These events are expected not only to showcase South Korea’s efforts in addressing global water issues but also to enhance the country’s international standing in the water sector.

The Water Business Square aims to support the overseas expansion and activation of exchanges in the domestic water industry and is an on-site exhibition featuring over 60 outstanding domestic water companies. Various programs will be showcased at this exhibition, including public procurement consultations, presentations of new products and technologies, and export consultations inviting overseas buyers. 

In addition, the Ministry of Environment plans to hold a donation ceremony for flow measurement equipment on November 13 at EXCO, in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Hydrological Survey and the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of Cambodia, to support sustainable water management and enhance hydrological survey capabilities in Cambodia, while expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Minister Kim Wansup stated, “In order to wisely address an unprecedented climate crisis, innovative water management policies and active cooperation from around the world are essential.” He also expressed hope that “this event will serve as a valuable opportunity to introduce South Korea’s science and technology-based water management policies and technologies and to solve water issues in various parts of the world.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com