Elections for the Steering Committee

Luapula Water supply and Sanitation Company is a model of excellence in the provision of Water Supply and Sanitation services to both the urban and rural populations in Luapula Province of Zambia. In many Key Performance Indicators, water quality, hours of supply, NRW, Water coverage, sanitation coverage, O and M coverage by collection, and staff Efficiency, the utility has been a platform for benchmarking for other water utility companies because of the efficiency improvement the institution has attained over a period of time. With the foregoing, the utility stands very as a good candidate for the GWOPA Steering Committee.

Rand Water is excited to announce our candidacy for a seat on the Global Water Operators’ Partnership Alliance (GWOPA) Steering Committee, representing the constituency of “Water and Sanitation Public Operators – Africa.” As a leading water institution in the African water sector, Rand Water is committed to driving sustainable and innovative solutions for water and sanitation challenges across our continent. Rand Water has demonstrated outstanding leadership, with over 120 years of experience as an organisation. Rand Water has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality, sustainable water services. Our expertise uniquely positions us to guide GWOPA towards impactful strategies and solutions. To amplify African voices, Rand Water is dedicated to ensuring that the diverse needs and perspectives of African public water operators are represented. Our role on the Steering Committee will be to champion these voices and advocate for policies that address regional and continental challenges. To strengthen collaboration, Rand Water believes in the power of partnership and will work to enhance collaboration among public operators, development partners, and other stakeholders, driving collective progress in the water sector. The organisation is committed to sharing best practices and innovations within the GWOPA framework, helping to advance water and sanitation services globally. In supporting GWOPA’s mandate, Rand Water is committed to supporting the GWOPA Secretariat in fulfilling its mission, ensuring that the Alliance remains effective and responsive to its members’ needs.

By voting for Rand Water, you are choosing a representative who is passionate about making a difference and dedicated to improving water and sanitation services across Africa and beyond. Let’s work together to build a resilient and sustainable future for our communities.

Vote for Rand Water, because Africa’s water future deserves the best leadership!

Thank you for your support!

#RandwaterForGWOPA #WaterAndSanitation #AfricaWaterLeadership #SustainableWater #VoteRandwater

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is one of the leading public water utilities in Africa. From its establishment in 1972, the Corporation has evolved from a struggling institution to a thriving organization, becoming a beacon of hope to many utilities around the world. This success is a testament to the persistent efforts and novel programs that have continuously buoyed the Corporation’s endeavors to improve service delivery and accelerate service coverage. NWSC has used this experience and in-house expertise to support other Utilities to transform their operations and turnaround performance. It championed the establishment of WOPs in Africa and encouraged several utilities to join the WOP movement. Public water utilities in Africa are keen to improve their service delivery status. GWOPA subscribes to this vision and through its global networks strives to ensure that WOPs evolve into a powerful tool of change and performance excellence. NWSC would be a good choice to support this vision and would bring a lot of value to the GWOPA steering committee. With its wide network of partners having implemented over 40 WOPs in Africa, NWSC has a good understanding of key success factors and will ably represent Institutional Partners to achieve targeted goals. NWSC has endorsed Dr. Rose Christine Kaggwa to be its representative at the steering committee. Dr Kaggwa is a practitioner with wide experience in the Water sector, having served on IWA board, at AfWASA, on several specialist groups, and steering committees. Also as the current chair of IWA governing member committee for Uganda, she has made several contributions to advance the water and sanitation agenda at all levels. She is a strong advocate for excellence, diversity and been at the forefront of impactful programming and the birth of the strategic council at AfWASA level and is a great choice as representative.

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) is committed to delivering better service through efficient and effective management of production and distribution of potable water and its customers. With over 30 years of dedicated service in the water sector, I am honored to stand as a candidate for the GWOPA Steering Committee, representing GWL. Throughout my career, I have held progressively responsible leadership roles, including Planning and Development Engineer, Distribution Manager, Regional Chief Manager, Chief Manager of Project Planning & Development, and currently, Chief Manager of Corporate Planning and Monitoring Evaluation. These various positions have given me an in-depth understanding of water service delivery, from technical operations to strategic management. As a Professional Engineer and former Distribution Manager, I gained invaluable expertise in management of water systems especially in its planning, operations and maintenance, ensuring efficient and reliable water services for communities. In my tenure as Regional Chief Manager and Chief Manager, Project Planning & Development, I have led large-scale projects from inception to completion, focusing on quality, efficiency, and sustainability. In my current role, I lead and oversee strategic planning, performance monitoring, and the evaluation of key projects in my organization. These responsibilities have strengthened my skills in data-driven decision-making and stakeholder engagement—qualities essential for contributing to the success of the GWOPA Steering Committee. Moreover, my experience as a project manager and trainer has allowed me to lead diverse teams, promote knowledge-sharing, and drive capacity-building initiatives within GWL and beyond. I am committed to continuous improvement and innovation, aligning closely with GWOPA’s mission to enhance global water services through partnerships. I am also a Fellow of the Ghana Institution of Engineering and a member of the Professional Practice and Ethics Committee as well as the Membership Committee. With a proven track record of leadership, deep sector experience, and unwavering commitment to sustainable water solutions, I am confident that my election to the GWOPA Steering Committee will bring value and further the collective goals of the partnership.

Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company Limited (NYEWASCO) is a leading water and sanitation service provider in Kenya, fully owned by the County Government of Nyeri. Operating for 26 years, NYEWASCO is currently guided by its 5th Strategic Plan (2021/22 – 2026/27) and regulated by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) under an 8-year license (2024-2032). The Company operates under an approved tariff for the period 2020/21 to 2024/25. NYEWASCO has consistently been ranked among the top water service providers in the country for the last 16 years. NYEWASCO is recognized as a center for benchmarking globally, particularly in Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management. The Company’s innovative approaches to minimizing water losses and enhancing operational efficiencies have set industry standards and attracted interest from utilities across Africa. NYEWASCO’s proven track record and expertise align perfectly with GWOPA’s goals of fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and building capacity among water operators worldwide. NYEWASCO’s representative, who is in charge of strategy and planning, has extensive experience in developing strategic plans and optimizing organizational processes. She has also led pro-poor services for three years and is a member of the Company’s general management team. With her experience in the water sector for the last 11 years, she has successfully overseen initiatives that have improved service delivery, reduced water losses and strengthened customer engagement. This background provides a deep understanding of the challenges faced by water utilities in developing countries, positioning her to contribute meaningfully to GWOPA’s strategic objectives and promote effective partnerships. By joining the GWOPA Steering Committee, NYEWASCO aims to share its best practices, learn from other operators and shape global policies to promote a sustainable water sector.

It is an honour for NAWASSCO to be a candidate for the GWOPA Steering Committee for the Public Water and Sanitation Utilities – Africa; our background and dedication qualify us for this esteemed role. As the lead water utility in Kenya, NAWASSCO has continually exhibited excellence in service delivery, innovation and customer engagement, recently being ranked the top-performing utility in the Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation (ESAWAS) Benchmark Report for 2022/2023. Our Customer Experience Officer provides a plethora of knowledge in customer relations, community participation, and feedback-driven improvements to the committee, where she would represent NAWASSCO. NAWASSCO has successfully carried out a number of projects under its direction, such as community-based customer sessions that provide local voices the ability to influence service enhancements. This emphasis on customer-centric solutions is consistent with GWOPA’s objective of cultivating collaborations that improve its mission of fostering partnerships that enhance utility performance worldwide. NAWASSCO has a strong track record in Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs), collaborating with international and regional partners to share knowledge, build capacity, and drive innovation in the water and sanitation sector. Our experience in strategic WOPs, peer to peer learning, and resilience-building initiatives positions us to contribute valuable insights to the global water operator community. NAWASSCO hopes to share its experience, best practices, and help shape future WOPs that tackle important issues including urbanization, climate change, and equitable access to water and sanitation by joining the GWOPA Steering Committee. We are excited to work, grow, and take the lead with partners who share our values wherever in the world. NAWASSCO is committed to driving impactful change and looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to GWOPA’s mission.

Aguas de Siguatepeque es un prestador de Servicios Municipal , Centroamericano, con 16 años de trayectoria en el Sector Agua y Saneamiento, y con algunos años de pertenecer a la Plataforma internacional WOP-LAC, misma que ha sido tan útil para desarrollar buenas prácticas, compartir experiencias y conocimientos, relacionados con el manejo del medio ambiente, buenas prácticas para eficientar la prestación de los servicios, control de pérdidas y en términos generales, mejoramiento del sistema de agua potable y alcantarillado sanitario. Nos encantaría formar parte del Comité Directivo de GWOPA para representar a la región Centroamericana y posicionar el sector agua y saneamiento, mostrar la realidad de nuestro sector a nivel mundial e internacional para compartir nuestras buenas experiencias pero también para identificar oportunidades que nos permitan mejorar las condiciones de la prestación de servicios de países en vías de desarrollo como Honduras y la mayoría de los países Centroamericanos, para de cumplir con los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible, (ODS) 6 que ya establece las Naciones Unidas.

The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO) has been affiliated with GWOPA for several years, through CAWASA, and in 2023 registered as an Institutional Member of this prestigious alliance. In May 2023 I was privileged to represent DOWASCO at the GWOPA Congress in Bonn, Germany and share on the experiences of my company in Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs), while also learning a lot about GWOPA’s operations during that mission. DOWASCO has always been keen on partnerships for mutual advancement. Recent disasters, such as Tropical Storm Erika and Category 5 Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island including the water sector, have taught Dominica and DOWASCO by extension the importance of collaboration. To facilitate post-disaster recovery, the utility developed partnerships with several other regional utilities and other agencies, facilitated by organizations such as CAWASA, CWWA, and Operators Without Borders. In turn, DOWASCO has since been able to share experiences and lessons learnt with other utilities and have provided support to sister utilities in their time of need. Further, DOWASCO is presently part of a WOP under the CARIBSAN Project, which seeks to promote the use of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. These experiences have positioned DOWASCO in the ideal position to provide meaningful input towards furthering the objectives of GWOPA and serve as an advocate for sister utilities of the Caribbean. During my 21-year tenure at DOWASCO I have a garnered a wealth of water sector knowledge and experience and had myriad opportunities to meet and interact with staff of other utilities and regional water stakeholders, through CAWASA and my CWWA membership. I also serve as Dominica’s Focal Point for reporting to the UN on SDG 6.5.1 achievement progress. I am therefore well-suited to represent DOWASCO on the GWOPA Steering Committee and look forward to fruitful contribution towards its advancement.

SMAT is a totally public company that manages the integrated water service for 2.2 million inhabitants residing in 293 municipalities in the North-West of Italy with very diversified morphological characteristics: from mountain to plain areas and serves civil users, industrial and agricultural, with operating methods that cover a very wide range of cases. Specifically, SMAT has been active over the years in the international context and especially in decentralised cooperation, is a founding member of Hydroaid – International School of Water for Development – and has operated in various countries from Central and South America to the Middle East, from Africa to the Far East with countless international projects always in the water sector including the SO-WOP – GWOPA project with Indian and Philippine partners, currently nearing completion. SMAT is also a member of APE – European Public Water and is part of the European network of public water service managers with which it weaves a dense network of exchanges of experiences and good practices at a European level with the top players in the water sector. Over the years, SMAT has developed an innovative approach to the resolution of water issues and has equipped itself with a Research Centre, dedicated to the study of the best technologies applied to the water sector. Another element that characterises SMAT’s activity is the constant verification of environmental sustainability and financial sustainability criteria both in the operational sphere and with regard to the selection of investments. It is believed that this set of values is of primary importance and it must be adequately represented within the Steering Committee which must direct future choices of the most pervasive tool we have available today to grow the water service in an orderly manner at a global level.

World Waternet is founded (2007) by Waternet, the public Water Cycle company of Amsterdam. We believe that a healthy water cycle should be treated as a global common good, for future generations and strong water and sanitation organisations need to be able to take their role in safeguarding it, in the interest of all.” World Waternet regenerates Water Cycles to increase SDG6 impact by stronger Maturity Levels of our Water Operators’ Partners, with their empowered Workforce and access to practical Knowledge & Innovation. World Waternet is actively engaged in EU WOP, WaterWorX WOP programme (5) of the Dutch Water Operators AND in Blue Deal WOP programme (5) of the Dutch Water Authorities; and plays an active role to promote Water Cycle partnerships including agriculture, technology and Nature Based Solutions. Waternet is also co-founder of the Leading Utilities of the World – and is keen to strengthen and grow practical peer-to-peer WOP collaborations between it’s memberships GWI, IWA, C40. World Waternet with its partners are actively engaged in the follow up on their (3) UN2023 Water Action Agenda commitments on Youth Engagement (30-30-30), Leverage Investments (Urban Water Catalyst Initiative) and Public Private Partnerships (Water Footprint Compensation). Since 2020, Frodo van Oostveen (1977) is the CEO of World Waternet. He is truly Crazy about Water as he swims once a week in the Amstel river – all year round. Frodo is active in the (inter)national water sector since 2007 and is a seasoned tri-sector athlete (Master of Tri-Sector Collaboration – Singapore Management University) as he worked in the private sector (ABN AMRO Bank), NGO (Netherlands Water Partnership and Akvo.org), founded a social enterprise The Water Agency in Asia (lived in Myanmar & Singapore) to run Water Hubs, and is since 2020 a public leader and serving World Waternet Amsterdam. Frodo brings a young and blue mind, creative and strategic vision, international network and on the ground WOP experience.

EMASESA is the metropolitan water supply company of the city of Seville (Spain) and other 12 municipalities, supplying quality drinking water to more than 1.7 million people. EMASESA manages all the stages that make up the integral water cycle, from the capture and management of reservoirs to the management of sludge from wastewater treatment plants. For more than 50 years, EMASESA has worked on the organization of the water cycle management of Seville in efficient water management use in situations of drought, commercial management, and sanitation and purification. In 2017 EMASESA developed its own Strategic Plan for International Cooperation for the exchange of good practices all over the word, leading development of twinning in terms of sustainable development for the water sector. EMASESA counts over 850 professionals with a variety of degrees with extensive experience and training. EMASESA is one of the most efficient and consolidated European water management public companies, with experience in more than 30 international cooperation projects. Mr. Joaquín Buendía is an EMASESA´s senior consultant with more than 25 year experience in water sector. Since 2005 is in charge of all the international cooperation projects leaded by EMASESA in Asia, Middle Asia, Europe and Hispanic America. This responsibility is carried out with enthusiasm and altruism. He currently coordinates the 7 international cooperation projects in which EMASESA participates. Expert in the implementation of governance systems, evaluation of programs in water and sanitation sector, expert in the design and development of water and sanitation training programs. His greatest achievements and where Mr Buendía feel with the more potential: • Application of Best – Value – of – Money concepts in projects • Ex-post project evaluation • Conflict management • Long-term vision of 360º sustainability

Budapest Waterworks’ application is driven by our belief in the WOP concept, that the number of WOPs worldwide, and especially in Eastern Europe, should be increased, mutual capacity development and learning opportunities should be extended. Understanding the importance of solidarity, knowledge share and operator’s level contribution to the SDGs, not only do we provide help to disaster stricken areas in Sri Lanka, Turkey or Bosnia-Hercegovina, but we are currently working in our second WOP project as mentor for two Pakistani operators. Whereas our first GWOPA coordinated project with the supplier in the Serbian Subotica finished in 2016. In the past two years, we have had the privilege to speak in GWOPA organised events, as well as to promote the WOP spirit supporting IAWD for successful launch of a WOP platform in South-East Europe. Our company has been providing water utility services since 1868: drinking water to the Hungarian capital, which, over the past 25 years, extended to wastewater and to smaller settlements. Our 7,200 km drinking water network and 373,000 m3/day wastewater treatment capacity supply about 2.4 million users. Through international business development activities, we have gained experience working with operators in Eastern Europe as well, making us knowledgeable of our peers’ challenges in Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro or North-Macedonia. In Hungary, our employees participate in several organisations’ work – sharing knowledge, advocating the operators’ interests – such as the Hungarian Water Utility Association or the Hungarian Hydrological Society. Internationally, we are active in Aqua Publica Europea, in the Leading Utilities of the World global network, are regular participants and speakers of the Global Water Summit or the Balkans Joint Conference. We propose for the Steering Committee our CEO, Mr. Géza Csörnyei, engineer with 33 years’ experience in the public water sector, including 18 years at Budapest Waterworks. CEO since 2023.

Indah Water Konsortium’s (IWK) Candidacy for GWOPA Steering Committee IWK, Malaysia’s national sewerage services company, has been a pillar in managing the country’s extensive wastewater network for over 30 years. Serving a population of more than 31 million through connected sewerage systems and overseeing the desludging of up to 1.4 million septic tanks under on-site sanitation, IWK has demonstrated strong expertise in the field. The company’s commitment to sustainable practices, innovative waste-to-wealth initiatives, and leadership in regional and international collaborations position IWK as a valuable asset to the GWOPA Steering Committee. IWK has not only excelled in its core operations but has also evolved into a key player in global capacity-building efforts. Transitioning from a mentee to a mentor, i.e., Maynilad Water Services, Philippines (WOP 2010 & 2011) and Baliwag Water District, Philippines (WOP 2011). IWK currently guides utilities in Banjarmasin, Indonesia, and Baguio City, Philippines, towards sustainable wastewater management practices. These mentorship roles underscore IWK’s ability to transfer knowledge and elevate standards within the industry. As part of the GWOPA Steering Committee, IWK would bring a unique perspective from a developing Southeast Asia country, sharing insights from its vast experience in managing both urban and rural wastewater challenges. The company’s active involvement in capacity-building initiatives and its forward-looking approach to sustainability and innovation make it an ideal candidate to contribute to GWOPA’s mission of enhancing global water and sanitation services. Representing IWK, Azuan Ahmad Zahdi, Head of Corporate Planning, brings a wealth of expertise in organisational turnaround and transformation. His proven track record in steering complex projects and leading transformative efforts including for water and wastewater industry makes him a suitable candidate to contribute to the GWOPA Steering Committee, ensuring IWK’s knowledge and capabilities significantly impact the global water sector.

Tirta Mayang believes in WOPs as the means to enable performance improvement of water and sanitation utilities based on the spirit of solidarity. We have been actively promoting and leading the WOPs activities in the region, locally, nationally, and internationally. We are willing to be a WOPs ambassador representing Indonesia, Southeast Asia and Asia in the WOPs global map in order to help other utilities in the region to provide better services to the people.

Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (WSSA) is a public sector organization that provides water & sanitation services to Bethlehem Governorate. WSSA has extensive experience in being part of international and local water operator Partnerships. As part of the organization’s strategic plan to conserve water, reduce water loss (NRW), improve the billing and collection efficiency and maintain suitable water quality, WSSA improves the capacity building of the technical and administrative staff through functional training plans and technical supports that depend on the knowledge exchange and experience transfer between mentor and mentee in several WOPs. WSSA started as a mentee, achieved the engagement and support for peer-to-peer solidarity and developed its potential to be a mentor within the local water service providers in the region.

Our organization, MEYAH is a woman-led NGO in Egypt, deeply committed to improving water and sanitation services in communities that need them most. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with local utilities to tackle the challenges they face, whether it’s building capacity, boosting efficiency, or ensuring that everyone—especially women—has a say in how water services are delivered. Our experience on the ground gives us a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t in developing regions. We’ve seen how innovative approaches can make a real difference, and we’ve been part of efforts that have brought meaningful change to people’s lives. Our representative brings not just expertise in water management, but also a passion for empowering communities. As a woman-led organization, we know the importance of diverse voices in decision-making, and we’re committed to ensuring that the perspectives of women and marginalized groups are heard. We believe that by joining the GWOPA Steering Committee, we can bring valuable insights to the table. We’re eager to collaborate with international partners to strengthen utilities, share what we’ve learned, and help shape a future where everyone can access reliable, equitable water services. Our goal is to amplify the voices of developing countries and women in the global water conversation and contribute to a more just and sustainable world for all.

Representing over 2,600 local government members globally, ICLEI advocates for improved connections between water utilities and the populations they serve by raising awareness of challenges as well as opportunities at the local government scale. Achieving the targets of the SDGs by 2030 will only be possible through partnerships and coalitions for building capacity, exchanging knowledge and mobilising resources for the water sector. The partnership between GWOPA and ICLEI represents an opportunity to leverage our respective networks and multiply our impact at multiple scales. ICLEI recognises the critical importance of urban water resilience, responding effectively to the impacts of climate change. The water resilience challenges facing urban areas globally are varied, covering a lack of water leading to “Day Zero” scenarios, increased flooding, drops in water quality, ageing and underinvested infrastructure, inequality of access to water and sanitation, and destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity. The responses to address these challenges will accordingly vary widely. The ICLEI Global Urban Water Resilience Programme addresses the interconnected challenges of water management in urban areas by focusing on three main areas: Values, Connections, and Investments. By fostering collaboration & connections, promoting sustainable values, and facilitating strategic investments, ICLEI supports cities in building resilient water systems that ensure equitable access to water, protect ecosystems, and enhance the overall quality of life for urban residents. As a member of the GWOPA Steering Committee I commit to improving the connections between water operators and the local governments to whom they supply water services to increase the security of supply of the populations they serve. Values such as the human right to water and sanitation as well as the needs of ecosystems must be recognised and implemented. I will promote an equitable and sustainable value of water to ensure sustainable investments in infrastructure, both green and grey.

The Water Integrity Network (WIN) is the only global network specifically dedicated to integrity in the water and sanitation sectors. It envisions a world with equitable and sustained access to water and a clean environment that is no longer threatened by corruption, greed, dishonesty, and wilful malpractice, and takes a deliberately pro-poor focus. WIN’s overall goal is to improve integrity in the water and sanitation sectors, thereby contributing to more efficient, equitable, and effective processes towards achieving SDG 6 in particular, and the fulfilment of the human rights to water and sanitation. Since its inception, WIN has been working extensively in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to improve the capacity and performance of water operators. Recognizing that they are perhaps the most important actors in delivering fundamental services around water, and that integrity plays an essential role in achieving mandates, WIN supports water operators to address root causes of failures and to build trust, sustainability and creditworthiness through participatory change management. More, WIN has a long history of supporting multi-stakeholder processes and coalitions, connecting actors, and enabling knowledge sharing amongst water operators and practitioners. As the programme lead for integrity tools and methodologies, Rebecca Sands brings her knowledge and experience of engaging directly with water operators on integrity and good governance processes. She also has years of experience working on the critical water-related topics of climate change and gender equality and social inclusion – programmes she also leads at WIN. Having worked in Francophone West Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America across IGOs, NGOs, and the private sector, she would bring her cross-sectoral understanding of water issues, institutions, and governance to help ensure that Water Operator Partnerships thrive.

WaterAid is the world’s largest international non-governmental organization (iNGO) focused exclusively on ensuring access to safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation (WASH) for the poorest and most marginalised communities. WaterAid works in 30 countries across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa and takes a system strengthening approach to effect change through a combination of service delivery, capacity development and advocacy at district, regional and national levels. WaterAid has extensive experience in establishing and facilitating WOPs (both North-South and South-South) in a range of countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This work builds on WaterAid’s historic and unique links to the water industry and recognises that universal access to WASH will primarily be delivered through utilities and other professionalised service providers. In response to this, WaterAid has steadily grown its portfolio of WOPs since 2012 and within the current global strategy, WOPs are established as a core programmatic approach to drive universal access to WASH. As such, the number of WOPs facilitated and managed by WaterAid is forecast to grow significantly in the next decade. Dr Rob Fuller has over 25 years’ experience as a utility change management specialist and for the past 10 years he has led WaterAid’s global utility partnerships function and the development of WaterAid approach to WOPs. This approach is highly adaptive and context specific and sees WaterAid adopt several roles over the life of a WOP including as facilitator of the partnership, project manager, specialist technical advisor on gender, social inclusion and pro-poor initiatives and knowledge manager. During this period, Dr Fuller has worked closely with GWOPA on several initiatives, including the development of the EU-WOPs funding concept and is keen to support the further growth of WOPS, under the stewardship of GWOPA as the INGO representative on the Steering Committee.