PRESS RELEASE

12/06                                                                                                                4 July 2006

UNESCO International Hydrological Programme

17^th Session of the Intergovernmental Council

                                            Paris, 3^rd to 7^th July, 2006

On the 3^rd July, 2006, Malaysia was elected as one of the Vice-Chairpersons during the 17^th session of the Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO?s International Hydrological Programme (IHP) when elections were held at UNESCO?s headquarters in Paris.

Malaysia is especially honoured to be chosen in this capacity as it has played an active role in this field since 1975 when the Intergovernmental Council of the IHP was formed.  The objectives of the IHP, an organ elected by the UNESCO General Conference include facilitating the development of hydrological activities, improving the assessment of water resources and providing assistance to Member States in their national hydrological programmes.

Malaysia is represented by Datuk Ir. Hj. Keizrul  Abdullah, the Director-General of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage in Malaysia and the Chairperson of the Malaysian IHP National Committee.

The present IHP biennial session will end on the 7^th July and was attended by representatives from 36 countries and observers from various organizations.  Nigeria was elected as the Chairperson of the IHP Intergovernmental Council.

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