Water

A country’s Water Apex Body adopts water policies and laws, coordinates institutional reforms, and represents the interests of water sector stakeholders.

Regional cooperation has been agreed upon as one of Water Apex Bodies’ thrusts when they first met in May 2004. They have established both priority needs and programs to pursue further regional cooperation among them.

• Priority Needs
• Priority Programs
• Contact

• Peer contact among politicians
• Benchmarking

• Policy dialogue
• Exchange of information and policies

• Study tours
• Joint training
• Workshops
• Twinning arrangement

• Getting media involved
• Establishing a network of journalists
• Exchange of experiences

• Peer review

• Data-sharing arrangement
• Peer review
• Exposure trip

• Peer review

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.

Peer Review

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 was pilot tested in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Developing Performance Indicators and Benchmarks

Water 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 water apex bodies' performance.

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.

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.

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.