Local and regional governments gathered during the fifth edition of the World Water Forum held in Istanbul the 16 - 22 March. The local government’s sessions took place the 18 and 19 March and tackled with the substantial question of the guaranteed access to drinking water by cities inhabitants.  

The local and regional government’s working sessions culminated with the adoption of the Istanbul Water Consensus. The Consensus calls on States and international institutions, and commits local and regional governments to create local plans to improve water and sanitation management. 

Local and regional governments made significant efforts in Istanbul for achieving a consideration within the final declaration adopted by national governments. In spite of these strives, the final declaration, which does not acknowledge the access to water as a fundamental right, practically does not take into account local and regional authorities and there is no mention of the Istanbul Water Consensus.  

Despite this absence, local governments committed to keep on working on the base of the principles of the Consensus within the framework of worldwide local government organizations and to present their outcomes during the next World Water Forum. 

Click on the link to access the Istanbul Water Consensus