The University of Pennsylvania, Aqua America, Pennoni Associates and the Philadelphia Water Department are sponsoring a one-day Global Water Initiative Conference on November 13 in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals project.

Every 20 seconds, someone in the world, usually a child, dies from a water-related problem. 1.2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion people do not have basic sanitation.

The Philadelphia area has much to offer in meeting the Millennium goals: technical know-how, organizational skills and educational opportunities. Water supply and sanitation experts, universities, consulting firms and individuals involved with non-governmental organizations are all making contributions to solving these problems around the world.

To increase the impact of these contributions, the Philadelphia Global Water Initiative is being formed. This kick-off conference will explore how Philadelphia parties can coordinate and increase efforts towards attainment of the U.N. Millennium Development goals.

To register or for more information, download conference brochure or send email to: niva@sas.upenn.edu .

10/27/2006