World Bank wants the Netherlands to play a more prominent role in addressing global water issues

The World Bank wants to give the Netherlands a more active role in advising on real solutions to address the global water challenges. This is because of the extensive knowledge and expertise of the country in that area.

Dutch minister Lilianne Ploumen (left) of Foreign Trade and Development, and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim (right) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Washington on 11 October.

"Water is a Dutch policy priority," Ms. Ploumen said. "This initiative confirms that the Netherlands has what it takes to successfully tackle the growing global challenges. It is a great opportunity for our country – together with Dutch businesses and knowledge institutions – to enhance its role as a global pioneer."

Visionary partners
Dr. Kim echoed Ms Ploumen’s sentiments, saying that "The Netherlands has a unique relationship with water, and as a result, we have found them to be visionary partners. They have the experience to frame the right challenges, and the expertise to advise on real solutions."

In the past decade, the World Bank Group has helped improve access to clean drinking water and/or sanitation for 130 million people, and it will help another 200 million in the next five years. The bank also finances investment in flood protection and waste water treatment. As well as being environmentally friendly, these projects must focus on helping the world’s poorest benefit from economic development.

Water global practise
The Netherlands’ prominent position in the World Bank Group’s recently established Water Global Practice gives the country influence over water credit. At present, around 21 billion USD has already been issued in loans, and the plan is to provide 4 billion USD to 5 billion USD annually in new and improved loans between 2015 and 2019.

The Netherlands itself is contributing 50 million USD to the ´water bank´ fund.

This news item was originally published on the websites of  Netherlands Embassy Washington and  Dutch government (Dutch only).

More information
Ministry of Foreign Affaires
The Hague, the Netherlands
+31 70 348 64 86
www.government.nl/ministries/bz