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Interview with Francesca Bernardini
Francesca Bernardini

Francesca Bernardini is the Secretary to the UNECE Water Convention, a landmark legal framework for cooperation on transboundary water resources. The Convention entered into force in 1996 and applies to both surface water and groundwater in the pan-European region, which includes Europe, North America, Caucasus, Central Asia and Israel. In 2003, an amendment was adopted to allow accession by countries outside the UNECE region. Once into force, the amendment will extend the Convention influence further afield. In this exclusive interview we ask Francesca about some of the achievements and activities of the Convention.

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Vacancy Announcement:
UN-Water Chief Technical Advisor
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UN-Water is seeking a new Chief Technical Advisor to support its broad range of activities in pursuing the continued promotion of coherence and coordination within the UN System initiatives related to all aspects of freshwater and sanitation, as well as water resource management. The deadline for applications is Friday 12th November 2010.
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New video: UN-Water seminar at
World Water Week 2010
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UN-Water at WWWDuring the World Water Week, held in Stockholm, Sweden, from 5 to 11 September 2010, UN-Water convened a dialogue session on ‘Sick water is threatening the MDGs: A stakeholder dialogue to address capacity development and communication needs’.

This session brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the current situation and challenges related to water quality and wastewater production and management.

A video highlighting key points of the dialogue session is now available online.
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Second session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health - Bucharest, 23-25 November
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The Protocol on Water and Health, in force since 2005, is a unique international legal agreement adopted specifically to protect human health through the prevention, control and reduction of water-related disease, the improvement of water management and the protection of ecosystems. Ultimately, the Protocol aims to ensure access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for everyone

The Second session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health will mark an important milestone in the evolution of the Protocol and in the improvement of water and health in the pan-European region. It will provide an opportunity to review progress achieved so far and to reflect on and plan for the challenges that lie ahead.
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Short Film Contest:
Water, Climate and….. ACTION! 
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From 22 September to 15 November 2010, the "Water, Climate and… Action!” short film contest is accepting entries on your experiences and messages about climate change and its aspects on water and your life. Share your experiences and ideas with us!  Selected short films will be projected during a side event at the 16th Convention on Climate Change (COP-16) in Cancun, Mexico.  They will also be used to help convey the message that we need to act now to adapt to the effects of climate change to the policy and decision makers who hold our future in their hands.
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Right to water and sanitation is
legally binding
, affirms key UN body
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Right to water and sanitation is legally binding, affirms key UN bodyThe main United Nations body dealing with human rights has affirmed that the right to water and sanitation is contained in existing human rights treaties, and that States have the primary responsibility to ensure the full realisation of this and all other basic human rights.

While the General Assembly declared in July that safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life and all other human rights, this is the first time that the Human Rights Council has declared itself on the issue.
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World Water Day 2010 website o
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UN-Water Group at World Water Week!
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UN-Water Group
UN-Water has produced a mini-poster of all members and partners present at World Water Week in Stockholm last month.
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Sustainable water management in cities: Engaging stakeholders for effective change and action - Zaragoza, 13-17 December
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Sustainable water management in cities: Engaging stakeholders for effective change and action - Zaragoza, 13-17 December This global meeting will bring together more than 200 experts, local government officials, media specialists, key water operators and political representatives of cities and stakeholder groups to discuss the issues and propose practical ways to move forward to meet the challenges of achieving water and sanitation for all, and is also an intermediary step in the preparation for World Water Day 2011, which focuses on the issue of urban water management.
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