A holistic focus on water issues is central to sustainable development and poverty reduction agendas. Members of the committee attended this conference in Durban on 18 - 21 April 2010 to achieve a greater understanding of the current issues in the field of water and sanitation. The conference comprised water service specialists, business and academia and the members gained knowledge that was current and relevant to the strategic objectives of the work of the committee. 2. Objectives of the Conference