Special Sessions
Stakeholder dialogue on water use efficiency in the indian corporate sector
The convention also held a significant corporate dialogue on efficient water management needs in business planning with a focus on the India Water Tool’. Held by the TERI Business Council for Sustainable Development, India, more than 70 senior representatives from the corporate sector and other stakeholders came together at the session. The creation and use of an India Water Tool will support companies' operations in India through better understanding of water sensitivities and availability, as well as provide information on potential water risks. The India Water Tool is based on the Global Water Tool (GWT), acknowledged as one of the best tools to assess corporate water-related risks at a global level and adopted by over 300 companies globally. Its development will also pave the way for potential watershed-level dialogues that could help promote collective action on shared water risks within different river basins in India.
This global convention showcased advanced knowledge and successful technologies developed in different counties and regions, with the aim of promoting international knowledge network and partnerships for addressing challenges related to water security and climate change. Through this global platform India will take a lead in addressing water resource management and governance challenges which will help the society move together in a common direction and develop strategies and solutions that are application on a global scale.
In his valedictory address Dr. R K Pachauri, Director General TERI re-emphasized that "Effective governance and responsive policies are of paramount importance in defining the course of sustainable water management. The issue of governance is multi-dimensional and a holistic institutional framework that encompasses the social, economic, political and legal structures is essential. Developing an appropriate and responsive policy framework is essential for ensuring water sustainability and adaptability to climate change."
Indo-German roundtable on ‘Water, climate change and conflict in South Asia'
One of the important highlights of the convention was the Indo-German Roundtable Discussion in partnership with Adelphi, on "Water, Climate Change and Conflict in South Asia." The roundtable discussion focused on the role of climate change in regional conflict situation, which stems from poor water management, regional mistrust and vested interest in the water sector. The session concluded with a resounding approval for a need to build a new framework in order for countries to view water management and cooperation as win-win' situation and hopefully the focus on climate change would bring these issues to the forefront.
Cultural evening followed by cocktails and dinner
The convention also arranged a cultural evening for the all the guests at IWF 2011. The evening was capped by a melodious singing performance by Ms. Vidya Rao, followed by lyrical dance art of Odissi by Ms. Madhavi Mudgal.
Vidya Rao, Thumri
Ms. Vidya Rao is one of the leading performers of the delicate style of thumri-dadra singing. She has been the closest disciple of the legendary singer, the late Smt Naina Devi and continued her study under the renowned Smt Girija Devi and Smt Shanti Hiranand. She is the recipient of Fellowships for the intensive study of thumri from the Ford Foundation, and the Indian Government’s Department of Culture.
Madhavi Mudgal Troupe, Odissi
Ms. Madhavi Mudgal is one of the finest artists in the lyrical dance art of Odissi. She has been the disciple of Guru Hare Krishna Bahera and later the renowned Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. For her contribution to the art, she received the Sanskriti Award and the President of India's award, the Padmashri besides the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
