The 8^th World Water Forum is being jointly organized by Brazil and the World Water Council (WWC) to take place from 19-23 March 2018 in Brasilia. The IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL) has been represented by Chair Antonio Benjamin at the 2^nd Stakeholder Forum in April 2017 and is directly involved in the “Political Process Commission” to assist with the organization of a subgroup for “Judges and Prosecutors” during the forum. This is the first time that such a sub-process has been organized, and will be combined with others focused on “Local and Regional Authorities”, “Ministerial or National Authorities”, and “Parliamentarians” to enhance the involvement of decision-makers and secure stronger political commitment to sustainable water management. Expected results include enhanced interaction between judges and prosecutors, a joint event with parliamentarians, and an official declaration or statement.Convening every three years, the World Water Forum is the largest water-related multi-stakeholder event in the world bringing together representatives, of government, business, academia, and civil society to set a common strategic vision for water resources and management. The overall theme "Sharing Water" will be dealt with in the three forum processes: Thematic, Regional, and Political, as well as in a Citizens Forum, and a new Sustainability Focal Group. This 8^th World Water Forum further builds upon international developments such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction to activate implementation of the Roadmap produced at the 7^th World Water Forum for positive water-related policies.

To bring additional focus to legal aspects, WCEL is planning a two-day side event on “Water Resources and the Environmental Rule of Law”. Participants will explore particular parameters of the concept as it applies to the management of water resources and the provision of water and sanitation services. Eminent jurists, practitioners, and academics will be invited to share their experiences with established practices and principles and to identify emerging trends in water governance at national, regional, and international levels.