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Sectors and Themes Water Partners Partnerships National Water Sector Apex Bodies
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Promoting Water Sector Reforms
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To adopt water policies and laws, and carry out institutional reforms, countries will need to set up a national apex body to coordinate such reform and formulate a national water action agenda. Water is a critical issue to sustainable economic development, and it is important that the water sector apex body represents the interests of all stakeholders.
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SPOTLIGHT
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During the regional meeting of national water sector apex bodies in Hanoi, Viet Nam in May 2004, participants identified the issues that constrain water sector performance and coordination in their respective countries, and the actions that could potentially lessen these constraints.
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Countries with Apex Bodies* |  |
Countries without Apex Bodies |  |
Knowledge Partners |  |
| Priority Needs and Issues | Suggested Activities |
| Political commitment |
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| Policy and legislation |
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| Capacity building |
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| Awareness |
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| Organizational |
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| Data and information management and planning |
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| International cooperation |
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The first regional meeting of national water sector apex bodies (NWSABs) in 2004, participants agreed to pursue various activities designed to promote cooperation among them. The status of each activity was reviewed at the second regional meeting of NWSABs in 2005.
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Information Sharing Regional cooperation could facilitate information sharing on policy and legislation review, awareness raising, data and information management and planning, and exchanging best practices. An e-groups mailing scheme was established to facilitate information sharing. |
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Many apex bodies feel that their peers, rather than external consultants, are in a better position to assess their performance and effectiveness as apex bodies. At the 2nd meeting of apex bodies, participants agreed on a process for undertaking performance benchmarking through peer review. The process will be pilot tested in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. |
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Developing Performance Indicators and Benchmarks The apex bodies recognized that benchmarking their performance would be a good exercise to assess how they are faring and in which areas they need to improve. They also acknowledged that cultural sensitivities of the different countries will need to be taken into consideration. At the 2nd meeting of apex bodies, participants agreed on a set of indicators for benchmarking the performance of NWSABs. |
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Joint Training Programs/Workshops The group proposed joint training courses for staff of apex bodies, to focus on subjects such as water policy, water law, strategy, and regulation. |
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Cross Visits and Regional Exchanges to Raise Awareness Apex bodies need support from decision makers and politicians. Raising their awareness is a possible key to getting this support. Priority activities include cross visits or exposure trips that will allow for inter-country exchanges and sharing of experiences |
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Involvement of Media/Strengthening Public Relations Getting media more involved could help with raising awareness not only among politicians and decision makers but also for the general public. Also, each apex body should consider investing in public relations. Priority activities include developing and agreeing on core messages, and launching regional coordinated media campaigns. |
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