NOAA Exercises International Leadership
The NOAA Strategic Plan recognizes International Leadership as a priority cross-cut. A world with rapidly shifting political, cultural, and economic dynamics requires Federal agencies involved in world affairs to cultivate fresh approaches and new services to maintain U.S. leadership. Internationally, NOAA supports and promotes national policies and interests in ecosystem-based management, climate change, Earth observation, and weather forecasting and will seek to maximize the mutual benefits of international exchange with its global partners.
This Month in NOAA Office of International Affairs
Ministers from countries around the world will meet March 16-20 in Istanbul Turkey at the 5th World Water Forum to address the challenges of fresh water. The World Water Forum occurs every three years to advance the Millennium Development Goal of halving the number of people without access to safe drinking water. At the 2006 4th World Water Forum in Mexico, participants exchanged practical tools and solutions and recognized the “importance of domestic and international policies that foster and assist building capacities and cooperation at all levels to mitigate water-related disasters including prevention, preparedness, risk assessment, community awareness, resilience and response.” Ministers also recognized the importance of local and regional engagement to promote sustainable use of water and integrated water resource management. The issues of water related disasters and integrated water resource management are central to NOAA’s weather and water mission, “together, we monitor, enhance, and deliver environmental information, science and services to save lives, protect property, and support environment”. Likewise NOAA’s efforts to produce better, quicker and more valuable weather and water information improve our understanding of climate change and its impacts. In Istanbul, NOAA will participate in sessions related to integrated coastal zone management with partners from the public sector; new technologies for water management with a focus on disasters; and a high-level panel regarding water and climate. Additional information can be found at: http://www.worldwaterforum5.org/.