Global struggles against water privatization have advanced over the years. Protests have been launched in a number of towns, cities, municipalities – proof of the growing concern and commitment to stop corporate control over water resources. But these are continuously being threatened with aggressive attempts by water TNCs to further liberalize public utilities, water services included. If left unchecked and unopposed, these moves shall run contradictory to the Millennium Development Goals which state, among other things, that the world shall have 50% less people without sustainable access to safe drinking water.

The struggle against the privatization of water services has been gaining ground in the last decade. The 3rd World Water Forum in Japan saw the establishment of the Water Warriors, a network of 30 NGOs and community-based consumer groups in Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Latin America that are working put a stop to water privatization worldwide.

The 1st Assembly of the Water for the People Network-Asia is the systematization of the region’s contribution to this global network. It seeks to put forward a “People’s Water Code,” an alternative paradigm to private, foreign corporate-led development, management and operation of water resources and services.

The 1st Assembly of the Water for the People Network-Asia is happening as a back-to-back activity with the People’s Convention on Natural Resources organized by the Asia-Pacific Research Network from November 24-27, 2006 in Khon Kean, Thailand.

The 1st Assembly of the Water for the People Network-Asia aims the following:

• Strengthen networking among various civil society organizations, grassroots organizations, peasant and worker advocates, consumer groups, and NGOs working on water issues and develop a structure for networking and sharing;
• Clarify issues, share experiences, explore alternatives and draw up plans for a sustained campaign;
• Develop coordinated campaigning and solidarity in advocacy work in national and international issues and arenas; and
• Develop resource-sharing and capacity-building to engage in research-education and advocacy on water issues on the national and international level.

Who will be involved?

The main Assembly initiator is the core group of the Water for the People Network-Asia. This is composed of the following national organizations and coalitions as prime movers: Water for the People Network-Philippines, Water and Energy Users’ Federation -Nepal, People’s Coalition on Water- Indonesia, Friends of the Earth-Japan, and Water Workers Alliance – India as prime movers.

If you want to register or know more about the Water for the People Network-Asia, you may get in touch:

The Secretariat
Water for the People Network - Philippines
2nd Floor, IBON Center
114 Timog Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

Telefax: (632) 452-1387
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Download brochure here.