Áder insisted that all countries would be affected by the water crisis. “The drama of water is unfolding,” he said. “We are no longer talking about the future but about burning problems of the present.” Áder also said political crises of the present were connected to issues in water supply.

In his lecture, the president said that coal-fuelled energy plants needed to be cut back not only because of their high carbon-dioxide emissions but because they consumed “as much water as could supply 1 billion people”.

Unless current water-related policies are changed, the fight against poverty cannot be successful, Áder warned, urging an increase of investment in the water infrastructure. It is important that the UN should have an official in charge of water-related issues, he said.

As part of his three-day official visit to Stockholm, Ader attended this year’s Water Prize ceremony and was received by King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Bruzák Noémi