Singapore and the World Bank Group inaugurated the Singapore Water Center today during the opening of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore (CESG). Located within the World Bank Group’s Singapore office, the center aims to leverage Singapore’s expertise in urban water management to support the water sector regionally and globally. It will conduct training activities, joint research projects, and pilot studies of novel technologies to enhance capacity building and serve as a thought leader on water resources management.
The launch marks a significant step forward in the partnership between Singapore and the World Bank Group in their collective effort to ensure sustainable water solutions worldwide. The announcement was made by Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu, at the Joint Opening of SIWW and CESG. The event was jointly officiated by Ms. Fu and World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Ms. Anna Bjerde.
Ms. Fu stated, “The World Bank Group Singapore Water Center will help bring about more innovative and sustainable solutions to address water-related challenges, and advance the realization of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.”
Managing Director Bjerde commented, “Singapore's journey towards water security is both inspiring and instructive, particularly for countries facing water scarcity due to a changing climate. As we evolve to better address development needs, we are committed to fostering best-in-class knowledge exchange. This is exactly what the World Bank Group Singapore Water Center will do. We cannot end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet without tackling the world’s water crisis.”
Minister Indranee Rajah added, “The launch of the World Bank Group Singapore Water Center brings our partnership with the World Bank to a new level and is testament to our joint commitment to help developing countries achieve their sustainable development goals.”
Singapore has hosted the World Bank Group-Singapore Hub since 2009, with longstanding cooperation in infrastructure and sustainable development. The establishment of this center aims to explore new solutions for securing a water-secure future for all.
For further information:
Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
Ministry of Finance
The World Bank Group
Contacts:
Lim Hui Min: +65 92273103 / LIM_hui_min@mse.gov.sg
Yong Yu Qi: +65 6332 7791 / YONG_Yu_Qi@mof.gov.sg
Mark Felsenthal: +1 202 602 9673 / mfelsenthal@worldbank.org
Wee Ping Tan: wtan4@worldbankgroup.org
About Ministry of Sustainability and Environment:
Committed to providing a clean environment through innovation, technology, partnerships with private sectors.
About Ministry of Finance:
Aims for balanced budget through prudent fiscal policies fostering business-friendly regulatory environment.
About World Bank Group:
Provides financing, advice in over 100 countries aiming at job creation, economic growth confronting global challenges.