This is not good news, especially in Asia, where already 700 million people have no access to clean drinking water, and 1.5 billion, no to basic sanitation.

It is why more than 6,000 government officials, scientists, industry experts and businessmen from across the world will be meeting here next week to explore ways to make cities more liveable, at a time when population growth and economic progress are putting pressure on the world?s resources.

They will attend two inaugural events - the Singapore International Water Week and the World Cities Summit - which are being held for the first time and Singapore is organising both.

The theme for the water event, organised by the national water agency PUB, is 'Sustainable Water Solutions for Cities'.

The cities summit, organised by the Ministry of National Development, the Civil Service College and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, will be along the theme 'Liveable and Vibrant Cities'.

Under the wings of these two big events are more than 20 international high-level meetings and workshops, including a conference with a special focus on East Asia.

Although most of the event's sessions will involve government officials, businessmen, scientists and industry experts, some activities will be tailored for students and the public.

Policymakers will largely be involved in meetings to discuss challenges of growing urban populations. Among the public events planned are forums and a concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall, where water is the guest star.

There will also be sports demonstrations and activities at Bedok Reservoir and Marina Bay, and a science exhibition at the Science Centre Singapore.

A concert featuring the composer of the Oscar-winning score of the Chinese film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, will be held at the Esplanade Concert Hall.

Bedok Reservoir will come alive for the three nights from June 20 to 22 before the start of the water conference week with an energetic performance by Dutch theatre troupe The Lunatics.

The name of their performance is Hydro Sapiens, a play on the scientific term for human beings, homo sapien.

The Marina Bay area will also be turned into a field for canoe polo matches and a stage for water ski performances.

And the Science Centre Singapore is holding an exhibition on water and how it shapes ecosystems around the world.