On September 9, 2013 the representatives of seven associations dealing with different aspects of water issues held a meeting in Chengdu, China to discuss ways to collaborate on ways to enhance water security around the world.  The seven associations represented in the meeting were:

• International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR)
• International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)
• International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD)
• International Water Resources Association (IWRA)
• International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID)
• World Association for Sedimentation and Erosion Research (WASER)

At the conclusion of the meeting the Presidents of these seven associations signed a Declaration on Water Security, stating the goals of their collaboration.  Those at the meeting agreed to continue collaborating as a working group towards the goals of the  Water Security Declaration .