The Hon. Susan E. Whelan, Minister for International Cooperation said CIDA will provide $3 million through 2006 to support UNU-INWEH’s continuing international operations from Hamilton as part of an $83 million contribution to address water problems in developing countries, announced by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien at the recent G-8 Summit in Evian, France .

“In a few short years, the United Nations University International Network on Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) has become an important partner in building capacity for water-related programs in the developing world,” Ms. Whelan said in a letter to the academy’s International Advisory Board.  “I am proud that Canada has been a core supporter since the Network's inception in 1996.”

The work of UNU-INWEH is “vital,” she added.  “As you know too well, the United Nations estimates that two-thirds of humanity will not have enough safe water by 2025. In a world where the scarcity of fresh water resources can easily lead to conflict, the Network not only contributes to improved health and better sanitation, it also supports poverty reduction and human security.

“At their recent Summit in Evian , France , G8 leaders made water resource management one of their highest priorities. For our part, Canada contributed $83 million to support water-related programs in the developing world, including $3 million to further the work of the UNU-INWEH.  Canada is making a difference in the world through international development, and your work is part of our global contribution.”

UN Under Secretary-General Hans van Ginkel, Rector of UNU, thanked Canada and CIDA for extending essential sustaining support to the UNU-INWEH program, at the core of which is improving and expanding the training of water professionals in developing countries.  Giving people in developing countries the benefits of experience and technologies from developed countries remains a critically important strategy as the world community strives to achieve its UN Millennium Development Goal of cutting by half the number of people without access to safe water and sanitation, he said.

Prof. van Ginkel said the leveraging of funds by UNU-INWEH was particularly impressive. For every $1 spent and invested in projects by UNU-INWEH from the core funding it receives from Canada, other partners, donors, national governments, multilateral organizations and the private sector have spent $4.