GIWEH continually and actively participates in the World Water Forum; as the world’s largest water-related event, the WWF is held every three years and organized by the World Water Council. Its mission is “to promote awareness, build political commitment and trigger action on critical water issues at all levels, to facilitate the efficient conservation, protection, development, planning, management, and use of water in all its dimensions on an environmentally sustainable basis for the benefit of all life.”

The 8th World Water Forum is set to take place in Brasilia, Brazil, in 2018. Within the World Water Forum, the Citizens’ Forum is held to facilitate communication and idea exchange between actors of civil society. It is interactively connected with the other processes, including:  Sustainability, Regional, Thematic, and Political subdivisions. The Citizens’ Forum holds programs on water education, discussions, lectures, exhibitions, performances, and various forms of idea exchange to promote public awareness and formulate quality solutions.

GIWEH is taking a proactive, dynamic role in the planning and organization for the upcoming Citizens’ Forum within the 8th World Water Forum. It has been selected as a member of the Citizens’ Commission to aid in the preparation of the Citizens’ Forum.  Already, GIWEH participated in the first kick-off meeting in Brasilia, which was held on June 27th to 29th, 2016. The Citizens’ Forum aims to extend the role of civil society and represent the voices of the general population. In doing so, the Citizens’ Forum works to raise public awareness, recognize concerns, and develop innovative solutions to water issues.

The visionary theme for the 8th WWF is ‘Sharing Water,’ embodying the commitment to finding the best ways to use and conserve water. As we realize now more than ever that water resources are finite, this conference will especially focus discussion around sustainable use of water resources. This conference is especially noteworthy, as it is the first WWF to be held in the Southern Hemisphere. Working toward the inclusion and equal participation from Southern countries, the location is important not only for Brazil, but for South America and Southern countries, collectively. This progress is represented in the 8th WWF’s symbol. The blue-green symbol combines a water drop and silhouette of South America into an infinity symbol and the number eight, simultaneously. GIWEH looks forward to continuing its help with the Citizens’ Commission and participation in the 8th WWF.