The Ad hoc Expert Group Meeting on Policy Options and Planning in Sustainable Development of Water Resources in Asia was organized by UNESCAP, in close collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the CCOP Technical Secretariat, which was held at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC), Bangkok from 18 to 20 November 2002. The Meeting was attended by 19 senior water experts from 13 member countries.

The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen national capabilities in the formulation and refinement of policies, strategies and planning relating to the sustainable development of water resources in Asia, through the exchange of national experiences and management practices in planning and integrated development of water resources. The event brought together extensive expertise in water resources management, planning, policy and strategic development to engage in an interdisciplinary exchange of views.

The meeting provided the opportunity for senior government experts to review and mainstream the critical issues of integrated development of water resources and identify recent trends in policy orientation and planning based on the outcome and major decisions of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The meeting also identified major issues and actions for regional and subregional cooperation and national follow-up of the implementation of the recommendations adopted at the WSSD related to integrated water resources management.

The major issues of water resources development included: increased financing and management aspects of water supply and sanitation projects; education and awareness; integrated river basin management and the planning requirements; improvement in monitoring systems and data; incorporation of improved socio-economic information into water resources management plans and water sector project development; balancing water quality and econological needs; alternative technologies for water supply on sanitation; and improvement or strengthening in legal, policy and institutional frameworks in order to formulate and achieve effective integrated water resources management and water efficiency plans.

The meeting supported that the core areas of the UNESCAP work programme on strategic planning and management, water conservation, water quality, disaster preparedness and public-private partnerships should be continued in the future work programme. The identified areas for regional cooperation included governance issues, water efficiency and water conservation, disaster preparedness, as well as sharing experiences and water resources information.