Plumbing Africa May 2018 | Page 11

INTERNATIONAL NEWS 9 IAPMO recognised on World Water Day The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Group’s international work to ensure safer, more reliable water and sanitation systems, was recognised recently during the US Department of State’s World Water Day 2018 Forum, held in Washington DC at the end of March. By IAPMO The morning forum explored how the US government can support increased participation of the American private sector in deploying solutions that are more sustainable to the world’s most pressing problem: water scarcity. in addressing water security issues globally,” says Christopher Lindsay, IAPMO director of Government Relations, who, along with senior vice-president of government relations, Dain Hansen, represented IAPMO at the forum. During her remarks, Judith Garber, principal deputy assistant secretary at the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, highlighted the IAPMO Group’s recent endeavours working with USAID and the US Department of Commerce. This was done to develop an enforceable regulatory framework, government- recognised personnel certifications, and trade-related measures to help sustainably grow the water and sanitation industry in Indonesia. “The water and sanitation challenges we see across the world are immense. The US industry can, and should, be an important partner in delivering the solutions. These partnerships bear fruit as IAPMO has seen through our work in Indonesia, where US exports of products have increased dramatically,” Lindsay added. Among others, World Water Day 2018 was celebrated in Washington DC at the end of March. www.plumbingafrica.co.za Founded in Los Angeles in 1926, IAPMO has grown to be recognised the world over for its Uniform Codes. With offices in 12 US states and 13 countries, IAPMO has assisted with code development all over the world, and provisions from its Uniform Plumbing Code® protect populations across the globe. For more information, visit www.iapmo.org. To find out more about World Water Day, visit www.worldwaterday.org. PA Total annualised US exports to Indonesia in this sector have increased by 85% over the pre-project period, while providing the people of Indonesia with vastly improved drinking water and sanitation systems and a growing industry to support them. “IAPMO is pleased to gather with officials from the Departments of State, Commerce, and USAID, along with entities from the private sector, to spotlight the vital role industry plays Celebrated on March 22 each year, World Water Day marks its 25th anniversary this year with the theme “Nature for Water,” encouraging people to look for the answer in nature. Around 1.8-billion people worldwide are affected by land degradation and desertification, with at least 65% of forested land in a degraded state. Further, 1.9-billion people live in potentially severely water-scarce areas; by 2050, this could increase to around three billion. About IAPMO May 2018 Volume 24 I Number 3