CHIANG MAI – Approximately 1,200 participants from more than 45 countries around the world have gathered in remembrance of King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the 2nd World Irrigation Forum and the 67th International Executive Council Meeting, being held in Chiang Mai.
Agricultural and Cooperatives Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya presided over the inauguration of the 2nd World Irrigation Forum (WIF2) and the 67th International Executive Council Meeting (67th IEC Meeting) at Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Center, commemorating His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary. The forum and meeting take place from 6th-12th November 2016.
Gen. Chatchai said that apart from having the WIF6 and 67th IEC Meeting observe the main theme “Water Management in a Changing World: Role of Irrigation for Sustainable Food Production”, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has organized this meeting in remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol, and his royal grace and wisdom seen in the water management exhibition of his work and many royal projects.
At the event, the work of His Majesty was lauded, as during his reign he had developed over 4,000 projects to better the lives of the Thai people, including 2,081 initiatives which were specifically about water and water management. This has contributed to the country’s ability to generate tremendous amounts of food, which has alleviated hunger and greatly improved nutrition.
Meanwhile, the President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage ( ICID) Dr. Saeed Nairizi. also expressed his gratitude regarding His Majesty’s work, as it has contributed to the rapid development of widespread irrigation and the betterment of the lives of the Thai people. His Majesty’s work will also play a big part in this week’s proceedings. After the speech the ICID president requested 89 seconds of silence to pay tribute to His Majesty.
