THE NEW POLITICS CLUSTER Dynamics of the Water Sector: Affordable and reliable access to drinking water is crucial for human development. This message has been reiterated From Rio to Kyoto. Yet, millions of people are suffering from an insufficient and unsafe supply. How is the worlds' drinking water supply organised? Which supply models are prevailing? Who is mainly shaping the debate about current and future trends in the drinking water sector? The Network University is offering the course "Dynamics of the water sector" in cooperation with Noragric, the Centre for International Environment and Development Studies at the Agricultural University of Norway (NLH). The course focuses on the risks and opportunities of private public partnerships in the provision of water supply and deals with current and future trends in the sector. Taking a development studies approach towards the water sector, the emphasis of this course is on the social and political aspects of the water supply and not on the technical and financial. Register for this course. Characteristics of the course in short: Familiarise participants with the current water supply situation and the main water supply models Gain insight in the various forms, risks and opportunities of PPP Discuss the challenge of reaching poor and rural consumers and analyse possible alternatives to PPP Offer an learning environment in which collaborative learning, frequent interaction and joint discussions are central Become an active member of a virtual learning community in which participants are stimulated to exchange ideas and raise questions The course also provides access to relevant major and publications on the topic Target group The course adresses people from the field of development assistance and urban infrastructure planning such as staff from governmental and non-governmental organisations, sector consultants, politicians, and students from NLH. Weekly topics Part 1: The water sector: development, actors, interests Part 2: From public to private and what is in between Part 3: Trends and future institutional options Requirements The workload is estimated at 12-14 hours weekly allowing participants to continue regular work duties. The course is offered and moderated entirely through the Internet. Participants can log-in at any time convenient to them while the course is running. Minimum Internet requirement to effectively participate in this course is an Internet browser version 4 or higher. Costs: € 750,- A reduction is negotiable for participants from developing countries. Next course date: To be announced.