Water sustainability issue an opportunity for EU-Asian collaborations

THE United Nations projects that by 2025, half of the countries worldwide will face severe water stress or outright shortages. Several of these countries are in Asia, where water is cited as the next challenge. Within South-east Asia, population growth coupled with rapid urbanisation are expected to result in water stresses as early as 2020.

Water sustainability linked closely to the issue of the environment are global issues that need not just dialogue but a collective response coupled with new initiatives to help countries in the region tackle these concerns.

Singapore has taken the lead in this global narrative by bringing together the environment and water industries through high-profile events such as the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW). This year, the week, which is in its seventh, explores several issues and looks at new smart water technologies.