Prince Willem-Alexander Launches International Year of Sanitation 2008

Yesterday, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands joined her husband, the Prince of Orange in New York to globally launch the International Year of Sanitation 2008. As chairman of the United Nations Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation, the prince spoke of his concerns and said, “our prime aim is to provide as many people as possible with proper, sustainable sanitation facilities and to stress how to use them sustainably.”

In his speech, Willem-Alexander challenged the attendees to redress the matter of sanitation and focus on the plight of the many people that do not have the use of adequate facilities. “That is why we, as policymakers, opinion leaders and stakeholders gathered here today, must make a supreme effort to make proper sanitation accessible and available to everyone. Because everyone, and that means ALL the people in the world, has the right to a healthy life and a life with dignity. In other words: everyone has the right to sanitation,” he declared.

In part to galvanize his audience into action, the prince reiterated the goals of millennium development on sanitation.

“We want to raise awareness of the importance of sanitation and its impact on other Millennium Development Goals.”

“We want to encourage government and their partners to implement policies and take action aimed at meeting the sanitation target.”

“We want to mobilize communities, particularly women’s groups, to change sanitation and hygiene practice through campaigns on sanitation and health education.”

As he closed his speech, the prince reminded the guests to commit themselves to the sanitation project and said, “I would like to encourage you, with all my heart, to work together. It is of the utmost importance for us to undertake a long-term commitment today to reach our common goals and to work towards health, dignity and development for all.”

The Prince of Orange’s entire speech at the launch of the International Year of Sanitation 2008 in New York can be read here.

For more information on the International Year of Sanitation 2008, visit the following websites: The United Nations Division of Sustainable Development, Water for Life, and UNICEF.

Photos: ANP

Frederik of Denmark Targets New York with Creative Nation

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark appeared in New York City this week to promote Danish industry and design. The campaign was titled Creative Nation. Some of the events on his business agenda included the ringing of the opening bell on Wednesday at the New York Stock Exchange and a visit to the New York Times headquarters to survey Danish innovation in the building.

The prince’s trip encompassed a variety of Danish interests. Whilst in Paramus, New Jersey, Frederik engaged in scientific observation at Lundbeck Research USA, a Danish pharmaceutical company devoted to the research and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Known for his love of sailing, the prince visited the US Coast Guard operations at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, New York. He watched as personnel in the Vessel Traffic Service coordinated the movements of cargo and passenger vessels in the ports of New York and New Jersey.

On Friday, he recounted some of his adventures at a press conference before flying back to Denmark.

Photo: Jens Dige/DI