The Advanced Water Management Centre has joined the Collaborative Sphere of Excellence in Water Security for the Asia Pacific Region.
Aimed at addressing water security in the Asia Pacific region, this program came about as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding with the International WaterCentre, and Manila Water.
The program was established around the three principles of knowledge and technical expertise, translation and training, and adoption and stewardship.
AWMC Director and Australian Laureate Fellow, Professor Zhiguo Yuan, said that AWMC will lead the development and industry knowledge sharing side of the program.
“This collaboration allows us to research an even broader range of water security issues including some of those faced by developing countries,” said Professor Yuan.
The AWMC welcomed a visit from Manila Water representatives last month, and formally welcomed Gold Coast Water and Waste, GHD, and the International River Foundation as new program partners.
IWC Chief Executive Officer Mark Pascoe sees the partnership as an opportunity to share some of Australia's best practices in efficiently resolving water challenges and laying the groundwork for future requirements in the waterscape.
"Some of the gaps in the Philippines and in the Asia-Pacific are much larger than in Australia, and I think where we can serve as conduits is in the implementation of two-way learning and development," he said.
Manila Water Chief Operating Officer for New Business Operations Virgilio C. Rivera, Jr. said that the program mirrored the company's determination to contribute to the achievement of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically on clean water and sanitation.
"Our vision is to get quality and committed stakeholders to get involved in creating and implementing projects that will assist in ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all," said Mr Rivera.
The Advanced Water Management Centre looks forward to a long and productive partnership with current and future collaborators.
