Research and practical conference “BRICS Water Forum” will start at National Research University Higher School of Economics (Moscow) on 29 September 2016.

One of the key global challenges is access to fresh water. Water of high quality is necessary for preserving people’s health, biodiversity, aesthetic and recreational nature’s potential, as well as many production processes. However, access to this vital natural resource is severely limited in certain countries and for particular user groups. Moreover, anthropogenic factors, geochemical and biological processes and climate change lead to deterioration of water ecosystems, worsening water quality and decreasing volumes of fresh water.

“BRICS Water Forum” is organized on the initiative of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science to discuss sustainable water use and search for effective solutions in this sphere. In line with the decisions taken at BRICS ministerial meetings, each of the five countries takes the lead in a particular area of science and technology cooperation. Russia coordinates initiatives for strengthening BRICS cooperation in “Water resources and pollution treatment”.

The conference will be held on 29–30 September 2016, gathering leading researchers from world universities, governmental and private research centers, policy-makers and international organizations, involved in science, technology and innovation policy-making for water resources, technology transfer specialists.

“BRICS Water Forum” program, presented at the web-site, covers eight thematic sections and four roundtables. One of the roundtables will gather representatives of research funds and programs that will present existing financial instruments to support research groups from BRICS. Through BRICS Framework Program for Science, Technology and Innovation and other funding courses conference participants will be able to implement joint research projects for the benefit of their countries.

The Forum will result in a final resolution document that will contain recommendations on strengthening research and technology water cooperation among BRICS. An important outcome of the conference will be the establishment of a common BRICS research and expert community.

Address: Moscow, Myasnitskaya st. 11, conference room (room 518)

Dates: 29–30 September 2016 (opening on 29 September at 10:00)

Media accreditation: +7 (495) 772 95 67, press@hse.ru