International Activities of the German Association for Water,
Wastewater and Waste

DWA, these three letters stand for the experience and competence of its
members – in wastewater treatment plants, in planning and production as
well as in research and administration.
Already for over 50 years the DWA, as did the ATV and DVWK, has advocated
the development of a secure and sustainable water industry. As politically and
economically independent organisation it works in the specialist fields of water
management, wastewater, waste and the protection of soil.

In Europe, the DWA is one of the associations with the strongest membership
in this area and, through its specialist expertise, holds a special position with
regard to the setting of rules and standards, professional training and information
to the public. The ca. 14,000 members represent specialists and management from
municipalities, universities, engi¬neer offices, authorities and businesses.

The emphasis of the DWA work lies in the elaboration and updating of the set of
rules and standards as well as collaboration with the production of standard
specifications at national and international level. To this belong not only the
technical-scientific subjects but also the economic and legal concerns of
environmental protection and pollution control.

In 2003 the Annual General Meeting passed a resolution to strengthen the
international engagement of the DWA and endorsed the support of the global
action targets (Kyoto, Johannesburg) for access to clean water.

The current international activities of the DWA are presented below:

• Exchange of experts in the International Forum
• International specialist trade fairs, e.g. IFAT CHINA
• Sino-German Training Centre
• International delegations from abroad/cooperation workshops
• Seminars in English for participants from abroad
• DWA committees and specialist cooperation
• Young Scientists’ and Professionals’ Programme for the promotion of
  the young international engineering talent
• Compact programme for young DWA members with ambitions for
  international careers
• Worldwide specialist advice with the build-up of national water
  associations
• Engagement in international associations and institutions
• Translations of the DWA Set of Rules and Standards
• Support of universities
• Contact with the DWA “International Collaboration“ team
  

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DWA committees and specialist cooperation

In Specialist Committee  “International collaboration“, experts from
the area of development collaboration are discussing the international projects
of the DWA. A Working Group concerns itself with the engagement of the
DWA in southeast Europe, another with the programmes for the
promotion of young talent.

Since September 2005 the DWA has strengthened its international appearances
via a specialist cooperation which has been agreed with the German Development
Service DED. A member of staff, integrated into both institutions, is responsible
for the transfer of knowledge and the networking of expertise of the German water
industry with the German organisations of the international development cooperation.