Speech Unesco-IHE workgroup (January 2007)

Unesco-IHE Group work – International Masters Programme

words of welcome, encouragement and gratitude by the Lt. governor of St. Maarten, the Hon. Mr. Franklyn E. Richards

On behalf of the government of the island territory of St. Maarten, allow me to welcome you here this afternoon and express my heartfelt appreciation and respect for Unesco-IHE Institute for Water Education, in connection with the launching of a truly unique experience which would benefit not only St. Maarten and Unesco-IHE, but the academic world in general. It is not often that everyday experiences actually trigger the inspiration for the search of professional expertise, converting this into academic educational materials, so that students from developing and transition countries can benefit from these. St. Maarten feels privileged that we can replace an imaginary city and serve as the basis of a master plan involving actual St Maarten scenario, so that students can get even better Group work – as they discover various water-related technical issues. The government of St. Maarten, as do all stakeholders on St. Maarten, certainly look forward to their findings – to be detailed as a result of this exercise; we look forward to receiving the Action Plan, once that is ready.