H.E. Katalin Bogyay Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations was invited to chair the first panel discussion of the High-Level Interactive Dialogue for Member States and stakeholders on The International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Life’: Progress Achieved and Lessons Learned for Sustainable Development.
The interactive Dialogue was convened by the President of the General Assembly, where Hungary was invited to chair the first panel discussion due to the active engagement in the water agenda, that is demonstrated by, among other things, the organization of international and regional conferences such as the Budapest Water Summit in 2013 or the Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the UNECE Water Convention in 2015.
In her opening remarks Ambassador Katalin Bogyay highlighted the importance of science diplomacy and the power of scientific cooperation in bringing people together from different countries and continents, defining common values and aspirations across national boundaries, and creating conditions for durable peace. The Budapest World Science Forum has been a small example of what the international relations will look like in the future where culture of peace and mutual respect will guide the global pursuit of scientific progress. Coming to the issue of water cooperation, the Ambassador highlighted that even though significant steps have been made during the past ten years in promoting access to water and sanitation and fostering cooperation on water issues, significant obstacles remain, which can only be overcome through the contribution and collaboration of all.
To read the full statement delivered by Ambassador Bogyay, please click here.
