UNRISD organized a workshop on “Social policy, regulation and private sector involvement in water supply” in Geneva on 26-27 September 2005. This research project aimed to investigate the effects of private sector involvement in water supply in terms of access, equity and affordability. In the context of private sector involvement, it explores the kinds of social policies that aim to ensure access to water for all sections of society, including the poor, as well as the nature and results of regulatory mechanisms that have been put in place.
This workshop presented the project details, and discussed the methodological issues and conceptual framework of the research project. It also ensured that there was a common understanding by all the researchers involved of the overall undertaking of the project.
As part of the research, 8 country studies were undertaken examining Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, France, Hungary, Malaysia, India and the United Kingdom. This workshop provided an opportunity for the selected researchers to present their country proposals and have an in-depth discussion. The workshop provided detailed suggestions and feedback for further work on country studies. Finally, as a result of this workshop, a research network on the topic was also created.
For other details, please see the
project document.