"We must manage our waters and our natural heritage in such a way that they will also serve the lives of future generations", Minister for Rural Development Sándor Fazekas said at the opening of the board of directors' meeting at the Budapest World Water Summit.

In his speech, Mr. Fazekas emphasised that our water stocks are of fundamental importance to everyday life; they provide for a clean, liveable environment, the preservation of natural habitats, are indispensable for the operation of the economy and to enable us to meet of our food requirements. Clean water and sanitation are prerequisites for a healthy life and the prevention of illnesses. Access to healthy drinking water is a fundamental human right and both interest groups and international communities must work together to provide it.



Hungary has fresh water resources that are significant even from a global perspective, here in the heart of the Carpathian Basin. Our renowned mineral waters, thermal and medicinal waters have been serving health and healing for centuries. However, 95 percent of our surface waters arrive from across our borders and leave for other countries, and so cooperation with neighbouring countries is also a question of security. For us, the security of our waters and our water supply is of vital importance.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)