The Cambodian National Assembly (NA) and the Asia National Assembly Water Consultative (AAWC) discussed finding a solution to the region’s water supply issues, with many ASEAN countries encountering supply problems during both the dry and rainy seasons, due to climate change.
The discussion took place during a May 23 meeting between Khuon Sodary, second vice-president of the NA, and AAWC president Jae-il Byun, on the sidelines of the fifth AAWC Board Meeting, held on May 23-25 in Cambodia.
During the meeting, Sodary said as people grappled with climate change and changes to the world order, food security was vital. Therefore, water security was a major in many sectors that were necessary to boost sustainable development.
“Water quantity and quality management and control require an understanding of science, the environment, society and human needs, as well as investment in human resources, technology and water infrastructure,” she said.
She added that the NA, AAWC, and several pertinent Government institutions had sought to devise methods and techniques to solve the water issues of Kampong Speu province and expand several products in Kampong Thom province, and that their close cooperation was improving.
“We encourage all relevant sides to step up and find solutions, exchange experiences, skills, knowledge, trade and investment towards improving the shared growth of the economies and prosperity of the people of the region,” she said.
Byun noted that because of climate change issues, many ASEAN countries were encountering problems like floods and droughts.
“The AAWC forum will bring together leaders, policy-makers and specialists from various relevant institutions to discuss and find solutions to these issues, particularly with regard to the management of resources, quantity and quality of water,” he added.
