RABAT, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been awarded Morocco's 6th Hassan II Great World Water Prize at the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia, Brazil, the Moroccan MAP official news agency reported on Tuesday.

This award was presented by Morocco's Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani to OECD in recognition for its work in elevating water security as a crucial issue, ensuring greater visibility globally for a wide range of associated issues and providing policy guidance on water security to OECD members and non-OECD countries, the report said.

Speaking on this occasion, Moroccan State Secretary for Water, Charafat Afailal, said that the Hassan II World Water Prize embodies the noble values for which it was created, noting that this 6th edition focuses on rewarding candidates specifically for working towards "greater solidarity and inclusion in order to ensure water security and climate justice."

The Hassan II Great World Water Prize recognizes excellence in "cooperation and sound management in the development and use of water resources."

Now in its 6th edition, the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize is a world-renowned and prestigious policy tool, jointly established by the Kingdom of Morocco and the World Water Council.

The prize is awarded every three years at the World Water Forum by an international jury.

It operates under the theme of "cooperation and solidarity in the fields of management and development of water resources."

The World Water Forum is being held from March 18-23, under the theme of "Sharing Water," in light of water's role in uniting communities and tearing down barriers.