Looking Ahead to the 5^th World Water Forum — Istanbul 2009

This paper will discuss preparations by EWRI and IWR for the 5th World Water Forum. Several potential WWF5 themes are being considered. Currently, the WWF5 sessions are divided into several broad thematic areas, including: 1. Water Security Adapting to Climate Change and Risk Management Protecting Resources, Livelihoods and Biodiversity Financing Water Infrastructure and Services; 2. Water Management and Governance Improving Management of Water Services and Resources Improving Water Governance Innovation and Water Technologies Equity, Education and Ethics; 3. Water Use and Impacts Health, Sanitation and Water Supply Food Security, Water for Food, and Ecosystems Water for Energy — Energy for Water; 4. Basin Management and Development; 5. Wild Card Themes. Although planning for US particpation is just beginning, EWRI has engaged both the AWRA and Corps of Engineers in discussions about our possible approach. One rich source of material may be the AWRA sponsored US Water Policy Dialogue in possible combination with Canadian and Mexican policy views. ASCE has taken positions in several areas of water policy as well. To prepare for our World Water Forum involvement, the Corps, AWRA and EWRI are planning a series of meeting to characterize key issues and flesh out important questions facing water managers and policy-makers in North America.