1. ‘Post MDGs Socio-Political Dynamics
Water, Health, Environment and
Sustainable Development’
Paper Presentation by:
Abdul ‘Dewale Mohammed
Founder and Executive President,
Africa Asia Scholars Global Network

2. ‘Post MDGs Socio-Political Dynamics
Water, Health, Environment and
Sustainable Development’
Paper Presentation by:
Abdul ‘Dewale Mohammed
Founder and Executive
President, Africa
Asia Scholars Global Network
Water, Ecology and Environmental
Protection International Conference
Sias International University
May 23rd-25th, 2013
Zhengzhou, Henan, China

3. • Water is essential as the air we breathe, its sustained management cannot
be over-emphasised for human existence and the environment.
• With about 450 agreements on international water signed between 1820
and 2007, Government policy operations on water and sustainable
development has failed to translate into concrete and multiplying actions.
• Positive socio-political dynamics for solving human and environment
concerns and ending the trauma on commoners remain crucial.
• Distinct, exemplary and intensive political action required at all levels.
• Full commitment and consistency of purpose, concerted drive and
interdisciplinary actions from the highest levels of government.
• Need for fundamental new approaches to the assessment, development and
management of freshwater resources and the environment.
Drive for water resource management.

4. • The world grapples with the scare and threats of climate change, water
scarcity, health and environmental pollution, devastating floods and droughts
• Calls for cooperation of multi-national corporations and investors
• Public capacity building, people-to-people consultations and integrated
awareness campaigns inadequate.
• Implementation of government policies at grass root levels essential.
• Adequate investments and effective resource management needed.
• Good governance, dynamic inter-ministerial, inter-regional and international
cooperation to combat mounting challenges of the 21st century.
Clear and Courteous Policy
Guidelines

5. • Population growth, changes in lifestyle heightened the pressure on water
resources however Africa and Asia’s abundant water is threatened by poor
sanitation, lack of investment and resource management.
• Preserving water resources and combating food insecurity, pollution and rising
threats from drought , floods and the discomfort of climate change impact -
• - multiple centres of control,
• - effective frameworks,
• - reduced inequalities,
• - free access to information and meaningful participation of stakeholders,
• - integration and strengthening of commitment,
• - promotion and exchanges of practical and commendable practices.
Good and transparent governance

6. • Disasters to human existence and sustainable development are
unilaterally man-made and not commonly infused by nature.
• Political Will and Consistent Commitment’ in policy formulation,
implementation and evaluation, couple with ‘openness and transparency
in governance’ .
• People’s empowerment and involvement at all levels of integration and
joint forces for their common purpose, vital for sustained environment.
Remedy for water resource
preservation and distribution.

7. In 2000, according to statisticians, 17% of the world's population did not
have access to a secure water supply and 40% lacked adequate
sanitation. Most of these people are said to live in Africa and Asia.
• Need for concrete outcome on the broadening of political and public
policy legitimacy of environmental concerns in Africa.
• With a review of Rio+20 outcome document, government should adopt
strategies that would catalyse new wave of sustainable development .
• The public and private sector need to strengthen cooperation at social,
economic, technical and scientific level.
• Promotion of a Green Economy, effective regional and international
cooperation and transfer of efficient resources.
Participation in Decisions

8.  concerns for people living in remote and marginal areas such as city
slums, shanty towns, mountains and deserts.
 natural and human threats to rural communities are that of frail
institutions, partial infrastructure and scanty resources.
 policy implementation on ‘Climate Change, Disasters & Conflicts,
Ecosystem Management, Environmental Governance, Harmful
Substances and Resource Efficiency’ to be reviewed.
 critical changes in public policy reinforced through positive and non-
exploitative action essential.
 effect practical and lasting solution through tangible collaboration
between governments, non-governmental agencies, international
agencies, the private sector and higher educational institutions.
the complex challenges

9. • promote cohesive partnership and resource sharing
• replicate good practices through strategic and
effective cooperation framework.
• acknowledge the incorporation and transference of good practices.
• establish a framework that will integrate economic, environmental and
social dimensions, development policies and strategies.
• consolidate government, public and private sector commitment to high
level biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction.
• gains made at Rio+20 not only secured, but shared and built upon .
• Identify and celebrate good practices and global achievements.
Water and Post MDGS

10. Empower agencies and experts as well as governments genuinely
committed to making the critical change in the delivery of far reaching
policies that will help turn people’s lives around for good.
Stake holders effective collaboration with international agencies such as
- the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
- the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
- the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
- the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) UNEP & UNESCO
Actions & Commitment to Change

11. Review of past and present environmental policies
lack of the enabling institutions and infrastructure to maintain,
monitor, appraise and enhance outcomes and resolutions emanating
from intellectual forums and government reforms.
Incorporate the organised private sector and the civil society (NGOs) in
policy development, evaluation and implementation.
Remove barriers to increased investment and development assistance.
Balanced policy implementation and resource management.
Joined up investment

12. Cohesive partnership and replication of
good practices.
Technology transfer transforms developments
where political will is uncompromised.
Models to be identified, tactics reviewed, good
practices virtually shared, and replicated to fortify
developmental outcomes and avoid past mistakes
Adequate investment backed with
evidenced transparency and accountability.

13. De-politicising human and
environmental development
Today’s environmental, ecological and socio-
economic impact is devastating on human lives
Waste management, sewage treatment,
.deforestation, soil degradation, climate change
and global warming are grave.
Integrated socio-economic development
framework should be devoid of political milleu

14. Water and waste pollution are results
of haphazard industrial planning,
increased urbanization, poverty and
lack of management and competency .
MDGs - Governments’ remain to attain set standard and
goals on clean water and sustainable environment.
The engagement of people and the civil society in tackling
their immediate concerns and environment is the wisest
and most cost effective way of solving environmental,
social and economic problems.

15. More than 85% of diseases in developing countries are
related to dirty water and poor sanitation.
For example Nigeria’s Delta region, home of the large oil
industry, continues to experience serious oil spills and other
environmental problems, which has caused devastating
conflicts, deaths and untold hardship.
Open engagement of communities in solving water,
sanitation, floods droughts and other environment concerns,
will help reduce the impact of climate change and the
impeding water crisis.

16. Governments’ through closer consultations and transparent
negotiations, have to win people’s trust.
Promote greater awareness and participation of people in
solving social and economic issues that directly affect them
and their environments.
Integrate water management into all development policies
and joined up action with health, education, science and
technology, environment, energy and agriculture ministries.
21st Century Challenges

17. No development without water
Need for integrated cooperation holistic
and strategic approach for the effective
management of water resources, its
exploration, preservation, usage and
effectual recycling.

18. AAP-WHERDEC
Establish an Africa Asia Pacific- Water Health
Environment Resource Development Centre:
study analyse and share empirical data.
 offer expertise on water resources, health and the
environment.
educate and empower disadvantaged societies.
diagnose recommendations by state parties and non-
governmental organizations.
conduct appraisals, evaluation and monitor
effects and impact of government policies.

19. Centre of Excellence
develop an infrastructure framework that
enhances modelled strategic service delivery.
celebrate and promote good practice, interactive
multidisciplinary and integrated consultation.
provide specialist support, develop and promote
good and effective policies.
 maintain a ‘Hall of Fame’ in honour of renowned
advocates on water, health and the environment.
.

20. AAP-WHERDEC: a Centre of Excellence
generate thematic forums, in ensuring key points
of policy intervention and expertise exchange.
ensure rural communities have infrastructure
support to shape the delivery of public services.
develop capacity to advocate and deliver
positive intervention and contribution to
sustainable growth.