Closing Remarks

by Professor Kader Asmal
Chair of the Commission and Minister of Education for South Africa

As some of you know, Ireland and the United Kingdom were my home in exile for several decades. Every time I return here I am struck by two things. Rain, of course. But more important, by memories. My fondest memories of festive occasions would usually involve a wedding - including my own to Louise - or a wake.

Today is both.

It is a wedding of two banks of what had been a turbulent river -- both sides of the dams and development debate -- merging into one interdependent marriage. Our courtship began years ago, in Gland, we spent months of anguish in planning and reassurances and declarations of faith. With this report, signed barely one hour ago, our marriage became official in the eyes of the world. On behalf of the Commissioners, and the Secretariat, it is now time to take a well earned, ten day, worldwide honeymoon.

Yet today is also a wake. For as I conclude my remarks, in a few moments, the Commission as we know it shall cease to exist. Every river comes to an end, whether into field, faucet, or delta into the sea. And so does our river, our Grand Confluence of a thousand tributaries. Though the Commission has grown close over the past few years, let no one mourn the parting. Let us, rather, celebrate its memorable and productive life, remember the laughter, tears, anguish, passion and the unexpected humane gestures and efforts along the way.

Had we a full glass I would propose a toast, but glasses await us in the reception that follows.

For now, let me, for the last time, exercise my prerogative as the chair, and declare this, the tenth and last meeting of the World Commission on Dams, now at an end. Let us hereby proclaim ourselves "decommissioned."

And let your own translation into action...commence.

(Bangs lectern)