Congress building ready, waiting for guests
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Daily News with wires
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mart 05, 2009 00:00
ISTANBUL - The Sütlüce Culture and Congress Center opened its doors for a reception Tuesday. The ceremony was far from ostentatiousness even though it hosted many well-known people such as ministers, artists and leading names in the water sector. The center will be home to the 5th World Water Forum, between March 16 and 22, and open its doors for thousands of attendants for the first time.
Environment Minister Veysel Eroğlu was present at the opening with all his anxiety. Saying that the international forum is very important for Istanbul and Turkey’s promotion, Eroğlu stood proudly on stage during the reception. "We are proud to make Istanbul a pearl for the world," he said.
The 4th World Water Forum was organized in Mexico City and gathered approximately 20,000 participants. For the 5th World Water Forum the attendees’ number is expected to be abotu the same.
The forum, organized under the theme of "Bridging Divides for Water," will feature the World Water Expo and Water Fair and be a place for hundreds of exhibitors. During the forum week there will also be a poster and photo exhibition, international "Water and Film" events, a Global Water Education Village, a learning center, networking spaces, water-related performances and ethnic manifestations on water themes.
Invitations to ministers
Eroğlu said Istanbul will open its doors to the world during the forum. "We invited 25 state ministers of various countries and sent invitations to 185 country’s environment and water ministers. The important names working on water issues and academics will also take part at the forum," he said.
According to Eroğlu, with Istanbul at host for the event Turkey will be able to transfer its knowledge on water technologies. "We want to turn Istanbul to a congress center because the congress tourism is more profitable compared to touristy tourism. The foreign currency left by congress tourists is five times more than sightseeing tourism. We want business people to attend the 5th World Water Forum," Eroğlu said.
The forum will include 100 sessions on 23 broad topics. State ministers and local administrations from 123 countries will meet and discuss water issues.
Istanbul Governor Muammer Güler said opening the Sütlüce Culture and Congress Center is a big step for Istanbul to be a world congress center.
According to Güler, the forum expects attention not only from water related sectors but from all the people of Istanbul.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbaş was also present at the ceremony. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was expected to attend but wasn’t there and Topbaş said he will be attending the official opening March 14. "Istanbul has experiences and knowledge coming from Ottoman times. Istanbul, as a host for many events, activities and conferences, is now a city where very important decisions are made," Topbaş said, adding that Istanbul’s water problem is now history.
The 4th World Water Forum was organized in Mexico City and gathered approximately 20,000 participants. For the 5th World Water Forum the attendees’ number is expected to be abotu the same.
The forum, organized under the theme of "Bridging Divides for Water," will feature the World Water Expo and Water Fair and be a place for hundreds of exhibitors. During the forum week there will also be a poster and photo exhibition, international "Water and Film" events, a Global Water Education Village, a learning center, networking spaces, water-related performances and ethnic manifestations on water themes.
Invitations to ministers
Eroğlu said Istanbul will open its doors to the world during the forum. "We invited 25 state ministers of various countries and sent invitations to 185 country’s environment and water ministers. The important names working on water issues and academics will also take part at the forum," he said.
According to Eroğlu, with Istanbul at host for the event Turkey will be able to transfer its knowledge on water technologies. "We want to turn Istanbul to a congress center because the congress tourism is more profitable compared to touristy tourism. The foreign currency left by congress tourists is five times more than sightseeing tourism. We want business people to attend the 5th World Water Forum," Eroğlu said.
The forum will include 100 sessions on 23 broad topics. State ministers and local administrations from 123 countries will meet and discuss water issues.
Istanbul Governor Muammer Güler said opening the Sütlüce Culture and Congress Center is a big step for Istanbul to be a world congress center.
According to Güler, the forum expects attention not only from water related sectors but from all the people of Istanbul.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbaş was also present at the ceremony. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was expected to attend but wasn’t there and Topbaş said he will be attending the official opening March 14. "Istanbul has experiences and knowledge coming from Ottoman times. Istanbul, as a host for many events, activities and conferences, is now a city where very important decisions are made," Topbaş said, adding that Istanbul’s water problem is now history.