MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee 7 Water Council announced in a press release distributed May 7 that the city of Milwaukee joined an elite list of 13 cities worldwide that have gained admission into the United Nations Global Compact Cities Programme (UNGCCP).

With the April 28 admission, Milwaukee has achieved UN recognition of the area’s expertise and global leadership in freshwater science and technology. Milwaukee and San Francisco are the only two North American cities in the UNGCCP.

The Milwaukee 7 Water Council, organized last year, is an 11-member group launched to establish the Milwaukee region as a global hub for freshwater research, economic development and education. Richard Meeusen, chairman, president and CEO of Badger Meter, and Paul Jones, chairman and CEO of A.O. Smith Corp., serve as co-chairs for the Water Council. Meeusen is interviewed in the May issue of Water Technology® Magazine.

Cities accepted into the UNGCCP submitted proposals to address complex challenges common to most urban areas such as housing, health care and sanitation. Milwaukee’s proposal focuses on managing limited freshwater resources. It’s a plan that prioritizes, implements and monitors the activities of a number of integrated sub-projects that make a difference in water quality for the Milwaukee and the surrounding region.

According to the release, “Admission into the UNGCCP is the latest evidence of Milwaukee’s emergence as a global hub for freshwater expertise and industry.”

The Milwaukee area is home to 120 businesses that serve some aspect of the water industry. Five of the world’s largest water-industry companies have headquarters or other major operations in the area.

In March, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle committed $240 million to fund education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, including support for the School of Freshwater Sciences.

“This designation from the UN shows how significant Milwaukee’s role is, and will be, in addressing the world’s water technology and policy needs of the present and future,” said Meeusen.

For information on the Milwaukee 7 Water Council, click here.

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