"The conference represents a political commitment at the highest level among African governments to move forward in solving the continent's water crisis," Ethiopian Water Resources Minister Shiferaw Jarso told a press briefing late on Saturday.

"The conference would also provide a platform for African countries, the international community and UN agencies to reaffirm their commitment to solving Africa's water crisis," Shiferaw added.

It would also examine and focus on the outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development on regional water initiatives and the continent's roles in implementing the summit's outcome, as well as agreeing on how to turn commitments from African governments into action.

The conference, to be hosted by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), will be attended by some 800 delegates from Africa, UN agencies, international financial institutions, scientific societies, private sector and donor representatives.

TERRA.WIRE