What is AAWC?

The Asia National Assembly Water Consultative Board (AAWC) was established to strengthen cooperation among parliamentarians from Asian countries to address water-related challenges through legislative and policy initiatives.

Already faced with severe water challenges including rapid population and economic growth, Asia must also adapt to global warming and climate change. To reach inclusive prosperity for all Asians by securing of clean and sufficient water bridging the gap between generations, regions, and the have and the have nots, there was a consensus to form a consultative body comprised of parliamentarians(lawmakers) who are committed to resolving water issues through legislative measures.

This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Asia Water Council (AWC), founded in 2016 to promote sustainable growth in Asia by ensuring clean and sufficient water through practical and technical support.

Throughout the series of inter-parliamentary meetings, a spAeciAfic concept of the consultative body was designed. On 15 March 2019, seven parliamentarians gathered at the Preliminary Meeting of the ‘Asia National Assembly Water Consultative Board’ in Manila, Philippines, and declared the ‘Manila Statement’ to enhance collaboration of legislation and policy to resolve water-related issues in Asia as well as to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Through a series of inter-parliamentary meetings, the concept of AAWC was developed. On 15 March 2019, parliamentarians from seven countries convened at the Preliminary Meeting of the AAWC in Manila and adopted the "Manila Statement," committing to legislative collaboration on water issues.

On 3 September 2019, sixteen parliamentarians from seven Asian countries convened in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea to officially launch the ‘Asia National Assembly Water Consultative Board (AAWC)’, declared their political will in ‘Seoul Statement’ and delivered the written commitments into their respective national laws, policies to intensify joint efforts to advance water-related cooperation in Asia.

AAWC Organization