Scottish Government
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Musician backs water forum bid
Midge Ure is backing Scotland's bid for the 2015 World Water Forum.
Midge will promote Scotland's commitment to provide safe, clean water for developing countries and efforts to improve global, water security.
The World Water Forum is held every three years by the World Water Council to raise the profile of international water issues and attracts government leaders, engineers, academics and representatives of the global water industry.
Scotland is in a three way contest to host the Forum, competing against South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Hosting the event in Glasgow could attract 20,000 visitors from around the world and generate £20 million to the Scottish economy.
The Scottish Government, Scottish Water and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau have been working together to advance the case to host the event. A bid website - http://www.glasgow2015.org, Glasgow 2015 Water For The World - is live and will be developed further to allow the public to register their support.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"The World Water Forum is a momentous opportunity for Scotland. Midge Ure is going to be a tremendous ambassador, and on World Water Day I am calling on all in Scotland to show their support for our bid.
"Scotland is well known for our people and our natural resources, especially our clean water. To combine our water knowledge with a world renowned Scottish welcome would make for a tremendous World Water Forum in 2015.
"With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, we have the expertise and experience to stage a magnificent event. More than that, we have a firm commitment to the ideals of the World Water Forum. It presents an excellent opportunity to stimulate new economic, educational and cultural links in many parts of the world and right here in Scotland. Midge Ure's passion to improve people's lives in the developing world is going to be a great boost to that effort.
"Today is World Water Day - water is the key to safe, clean development for developing countries. We believe if the world comes to Scotland, Scotland can help the world in terms of our expertise in water. If we are to avoid the potentially catastrophic impacts on the global water supply that will result from population rises, the impacts of climate change and increasing demand, we must take action now.
"We want the World Water Forum to come here and help solve the world water crisis - and to have a good time as well. Scotland will campaign for this event with the same vigour that we brought the Commonwealth Games to this city for 2014 - we intend to win it for Scotland."
Midge Ure said: "I set up Band Aid with Bob Geldof because the people of East Africa were suffering from a drought which led to famine. Sadly, water shortages are still a major cause of pain and suffering around the world. The world needs to wake up to the water crisis and act together to find a solution. Scotland's bid for the World Water Forum makes me proud - it's about us playing our part in a global crisis. I know Glasgow will be a fantastic host city, and that Scots will play their part in helping the world."
Professor Patricia Wouters, Director, Dundee UNESCO centre for Water law, policy and science said:
"Water insecurity threatens communities across the globe - the lack of available water, and inequitable access to this precious resource results in conflicts. Scotland, with its history of innovation, including in the water sector, is an ideal location for the global community to meet and find new solutions to tackle the world water crisis. The future must be about hydro-diplomacy if we are to ensure 'water for all'. "
The World Water Forum is a triennial event run by the World Water Council. The next Forum will be in Marseille in 2012 where the focus will be on real steps towards solving the world's water and sanitation challenges. The 2015 event could stimulate a major humanitarian effort as well as placing Scotland at the forefront of the emerging theme of securing economic growth through innovative management of its water resources.
Scotland's World Water Forum bid must be submitted by May 2, 2011. The World Water Forum Selection Committee will visit Scotland in July to discuss Scotland's bid. A decision will be made in October 2011.
