The U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) today recognized The Coca-Cola Company
with the 2007 Alliance of the Year award for its efforts to promote
sustainable water management in developing countries through the Water and
Development Alliance (WADA). The award is given annually by USAID's Global
Development Alliance office to recognize outstanding public-private
partnerships that address international development challenges.
Since 2005, The USAID and The Coca-Cola Company have collaborated in a
unique public-private alliance to address global water challenges. Working
in conjunction with local USAID Missions and Coca-Cola system partners
(foundations and bottling facilities), WADA supports activities to protect
and sustain watersheds, increase access to water supply and sanitation, and
enhance productive uses of water.
"The water challenges we face as a planet and throughout the developing
world are enormous. None of us can address these problems alone," said
Henrietta H. Fore, USAID Administrator. "Coca-Cola's commitment to this
alliance demonstrates the potential to increase the impact of U.S.
government development assistance through catalytic relationships between
the public and private sectors. The Water and Development Alliance is a
model partnership, and a fine example of how private sector expertise and
interests can make real contributions to sustainable development."
WADA increased its investment in water sector activities by more than
$4 million in 2007-2008, now reaching over $14 million of combined funding
since 2005. The alliance has leveraged its community development efforts
with Coca-Cola system business investments in water stewardship, creating
synergies that result in deeper and more sustainable impacts for people and
the environment. WADA is having a positive impact on the lives of over a
quarter million people and on the health of ecosystems in 17 countries in
Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. New WADA activities are
under development around the world for implementation through 2010.
Interest in becoming involved in this unique relationship is growing
rapidly throughout the USAID and Coca-Cola systems.
"Water is the key ingredient in our beverages and is essential for
life, health and sustainable communities," said E. Neville Isdell, chairman
and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company. "By partnering with USAID and mobilizing
our respective resources, we have created a multiplier effect that
contributes to the sustainability of our business and helps to improve the
lives of people throughout the world."
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International
Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide
for nearly 50 years.
SOURCE U.S. Agency for International Development
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