3 November 2000
United Nations launch, New York, November 17

"Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making"

Who: WCD Chair Kader Asmal, UNEP Executive Director Prof. Klaus Töpfer, WCD Secretary-General Achim Steiner and WCD Senior Staff
What: Presentation of Final Report Dams and Development to United Nations
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday 17th November 2000
Where: UN Press Briefing Room, S-226, UN Headquarters, New York, NY
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: For information on UN media accreditation, please call 1-212-963-6934, fax: 1-212-963-4642.For other information, please contact Jim Sniffen, UNEP, e-mail: (jsniffen@un.org)
For information about the WCD Report, or for interviews, contact 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, including the UN Foundation and UNEP 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.

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, association or country. First stop is the United Nations in New York.

"Just as our journey ends, the real work 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 offer a new framework for decision making."