H.M. Konungens tal, Stockholm Water Prize-middag

Ladies and gentlemen,Dear guests,

The Stockholm Water Prize is a very important and prestigious prize for outstanding achievements in water related activities. The prize recognizes visionary minds that drive water development forward.

Since more than 20 years, the Stockholm Water Prize Laureates have represented a broad range of disciplines and countries. They have never failed to amaze us with their innovations and foresight. That is a tradition which remains true today.

As patron of The Stockholm Water Prize, it is a pleasure to honour you, the 2013 Laureate Peter Morgan.

This year's laureate has focused on sanitation and water technologies that will protect the health and lives of millions of people.

The World Water Week in Stockholm is the leading annual global event for international water and development issues. It serves as a dynamic platform, where decision-makers and researchers meet to find solutions to the world's most pressing global challenges.

The UN has declared 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation and we have dedicated the 2013 World Water Week to explore the benefits of cooperation in water management for the future.

The global population is expected to reach over 9 billion by 2050. All depend on the same water resources as today. In order to balance our interdependency and to ensure a future where water is used wisely, we all need to work together.

Stockholm has over the years transformed into a city with exceptionally clean water resources, which are essential for the well-being and health of its citizens. However, this is not the reality for millions of people around the world.

So, keep up all your good work. It is very important to all of us!

I wish you all success in the future. With these words I would like to thank you for a delicious dinner tonight.