Did you know that solving the persistent water and sanitation problems in Africa alone would have a total economic benefit of $22 billion annually? The solutions to the problems related to access to water and sanitation are known and cost-effective. In fact, it is estimated that every $1 spent on water and sanitation generates returns of $8 in saved time, increased productivity, and reduced health costs.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, February 2, 2011) is the first forum in the U.S. Chamber BCLC 2011 Global CSR Issue Series, and the focus is on safe water and sanitation solutions around the globe. In partnership with the World Business Council in Sustainable Development, the forum will highlight how the private sector, in partnership with other organizations, is implementing programs that go beyond philanthropic models to increase access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation in frontier markets around the world.

"Access to safe water and sanitation is clearly an important global development issue with immense potential for private-sector participation," said BCLC Global Corporate Citizenship Manager Taryn Bird. "Companies, in partnership with NGOs and the public sector, are tackling water and sanitation solutions around the globe."

Confirmed to speak at the Forum on Water Innovations and Solutions:

• ITT's Bjorn von Euler, Director of Corporate Philanthropy
• Summit on the Summit's Emerald Munoz-Zemedku, Production & Media Coordinator
• Water for People's Katie Scolari Borden, Director of Resource Development
• WBCSD Water Project's Joppe Cramwinckel, Managing Director
• MCC's Dr. Barbara Hayes, Director of Infrastructure, Department of Compact Operations

Can't attend in person? A live stream will be available here during the event, and you can tweet your questions for the panelists to BCLC's Twitter handle (@ChamberBCLC) or email them.

To register for or watch the forum, go here.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center

U.S. community development. Emerging-market development. Disaster response. Social and environmental innovation – businesses play an important role in all of these issue areas.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center is recognized in the corporate citizenship field as a source for fresh thinking, exceptional networking and practical lessons learned.

The Foundation works to strengthen collaboration and understanding among companies, corporate foundations, chambers of commerce, NGOs, and governmental offices. As a partnership facilitator, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center helps businesses find highly effective ways to invest in local communities, be responsive in times of disasters, and improve lives and livelihoods across the globe.

The Foundations mission is to work with businesses to make the world a better place. Email ccc@uschamber.com to learn more.

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