Climate change was a hot topic of debate at the session, as it poses a real problem in many areas of the world. A representative of the International Association for Educational Assessment maintained that because of climate change, bridges built to last have had a life of merely two years. "There are lots of problems because of climate change and the cost will be very expensive."

Furthermore, she said, it often seemed that only professionals partook in the debate and any actions concerning climate change, when there is definitive education about water resources through workshops in Central America, and it is so important that everyone participate in efforts like water management and conservation. "But how can we go up to the politicians?" she demanded. "We must sensitize them so that they can change their views."

A Moroccan delegate brought to surface the fact that drought plagues Morocco for long periods at a time due to climate change. "In order to encourage people to protect water and keep it free from pollution, we must allow a curriculum for environmental protection in schools. We can establish partnerships and awareness campaigns to protect water and use it rationally."

Another woman contended that females should be the primary group informed about the quality of water because they are the most essential part of water management. John Soussan of the Centre for Water Policy and Development in the UK, and facilitator of the session, was quick to agree, insisting that "The medium is the message."

A representative of the Youth Water Action Team in Nepal was adamant that the youth sector could not be marginalized by the community. "They are professionals as well and they work at the ground level," he said. "In technological transfer the youth can be the (generational) bridge. We must look not at how much work experience you have but what you know and what you can contribute to society."

Engfeldt used the last few minutes of the session to summarize the statements made, while Soussan warmly complimented the participants of the discussion and expressed hope that all delegates eventually come to view the bad situations which become topic for such debate from the ground level. "We recognize tremendous challenges but there is lots of optimism," he said. "In my schizophrenic life I'm in the villages and then all these meetings, and I think: how many people that go to these conferences go to the ground level, as oppose to their lavish functions and four-wheel drive cars?

"Lots of these organizations have leaflets and literature, and I'd be delighted to read those and use them for discussion tomorrow," he concluded. "Perhaps we should focus on educating each other."