The organisers of the Budapest Water Summit have wound up the three-day international forum for decision-makers addressing the challenges of water crises with the issue of an appeal. The Budapest Appeal outlines steps that need to be taken, such as recognising the value of water “as a precious common good in the fullest sense” and acknowledging that water security issues cannot be effectively addressed only through established water governance institutions, according to a draft of the summit’s closing document.
The Budapest Appeal also recommends ways to implement these measures, including developing trust at all levels; facilitating the free flow and exchange of information about water; encouraging a radical reorientation of financing flows by “water-proofing” investments that will benefit from, or affect, water security; and facilitating the establishment of a global observatory to monitor and preview water crises. More than 2,300 people from 118 countries participated at the Budapest Water Summit from October 15 to 17.