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Davos update: Matt Damon receives Crystal Award at WEF

WEF awarded the Hollywood star the Crystal Award in recognition of his charity, Water.org, and the work it has done towards improving water accessibility worldwide

At the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos today, Matt Damon was given the Crystal Award in recognition of his charity work

Award-winning US actor Matt Damon was given an award at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting today in Davos for his social and environmental work. The star has been widely praised for his founding of the charity Water.org, which helps struggling communities around the world build sustainable water supply systems.

Speaking after receiving the Crystal Award, Damon talked of the urgent need to address the global water supply problem during the coming years. “For me, ensuring that every human being has access to safe water and the dignity of a toilet – two incredibly basic and inextricably linked requirements for survival – is one of the most urgent and pressing causes in the world today. The good news is that there are solutions that work. I’m convinced that we can overcome the global water crisis in our lifetime.

I’m convinced that we can overcome the global water crisis in our lifetime

The WEF often sees attendees from outside the typical political and business spheres. Campaigning musician and lead singer of U2 Bono is frequently seen at the event, alongside other, perhaps more conventional, figures.

Another of the attendees this year is former US Vice President Al Gore, who is expected to discuss climate change. Gore is likely to urge political and business leaders to step up efforts in tackling global warming, after many countries have stepped back from ambitious targets in recent years.