3 November 2000
North America launch - Washington November 20

Who: WCD Chair Kader Asmal, Commissioners Deborah Moore, Achim Steiner & Staff
What: Presentation of Final Report Dams and Development to North America
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday 20th November 2000
Where: National Academies Lecture Room 2100 C Street, NW, Wash. DC 20418
Why: The WCD has, by international mandate, (1) reviewed the development effectiveness of large dams and assess alternatives; (2) developed a framework for assessing options and decision-making processes for water resources, energy services and development; and (3) developed internationally-acceptable criteria and guidelines for planning, designing, construction, operation, monitoring, and decommissioning of dams.
How: All are welcome to attend, please contact wlondon@nas.edu. For WCD info info@dams.org.

After more than two years spent listening to people who had never before been heard, examining evidence which had never before been documented, and learning from all diverse interests and stakeholders who had never before worked together, the World Commission on Dams is now ready to speak.

The WCD was established by all constituents in response to escalating conflicts over the role of dams in development. Its authority came through a diverse Commission at every level, and an inclusive, transparent and participatory work programme in which it conducted an independent comprehensive global review to help turn dam controversies of the past into development consensus for the future through a new framework, criteria and guidelines.

Upon launching its Final Report in London, WCD Commissioners and Senior staff will embark on a world-wide tour to present what WCD has learned, what it means to each region, group, agency or association, and how to adopt, adapt or implement its recommendations.

"Just as our journey ends, the real work of translation into action begins," said WCD Chair Kader Asmal. "We have fulfilled our mandate. We have carried out an ambitious work programme to help governments meet the needs of their thirsty constituents without exhausting the waters that sustain us all. We have learned hard lessons from the past, listened to voices hitherto unheard, and offered a new framework for decision making."