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Laying the groundwork: Jeroen van der Sommen and the birth of NWP

In 1999, Jeroen van der Sommen became the first Managing Director of the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), an independent foundation with a bold vision: to unite public and private water sector organisations in a neutral platform. The aim was to amplify the voice of the Dutch water sector on the global stage and create greater opportunities for collaboration and success. We reflect with Jeroen van der Sommen and, in line with the theme of our 25th anniversary, ‘Envision the evolution of the international water sector’, we also look ahead.

Jeroen van der Sommen
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Patricia Haverkamp - van der Hoeven
Project Officer Marketing & Communications

Van der Sommen recalls how his journey to NWP began after a decade of international work as a hydrogeologist for IWACO. Following a successful tenure establishing IWACO’s Maastricht office, a chance conversation with his mentor, Aalt Leusink, led him to the new NWP, which was still under formation. Without fully knowing what the role entailed, Van der Sommen applied – and was hired.

Formulating a strategy

“NWP was launched during a time of renewed global focus on water issues, with emerging networks like the World Water Council and the Global Water Partnership. After a disappointing performance at the 1997 World Water Forum in Marrakesh, where internal divisions stifled Dutch efforts, key players in the water sector came together to formulate a new strategy. Wil Segeren, former Rector of UNESCO-IHE, Aalt Leusink, Director of NEDECO, Ger Ardon from The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning, and the Environment (VROM), Wim Langendijk from VEWIN, and the recently deceased Bert Diphoorn from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs devised a plan consisting of three key elements. One is to establish the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) to unite five ministries, water boards, and drinking water companies representing the Government alongside businesses, knowledge institutions, and NGOs. Two, to secure The Hague as the host city for the second World Water Forum. A stunning bid book was created, funding was arranged, and high-level lobbying was conducted, resulting in remarkable success. And three, to top it all, the then Prince Willem of Orange, now King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Prince Willem of Orange publicly declared his commitment to water management, championing it with immense enthusiasm and international recognition,” Van der Sommen explains.

The Prince of Orange: Keeping water on the agenda

When asked about his most cherished memories, Van der Sommen reflects that “There are many, but the World Water Fora truly stand out, particularly the second World Water Forum in The Hague in 2000! It was especially down to Bert Diphoorn, with his unconventional approach, who set the standard for a new concept for an international conference – and it was a huge success. Not only were there the usual speeches and specialised workshops, but also a vibrant mix of content, protest, art, film, religion, youth, and, of course, music. NWP was represented in a large windmill at a magnificent fair where our participants showcased their expertise and products, and continuous meetings, presentations, and sessions (including from the new group of Future Water Leaders) took place. This was a moment when the Dutch water sector truly shone, with a significant role played by the Prince of Orange. Later, this was echoed in Johannesburg at the Water Dome during a major UN conference, where water had not received enough attention, helping to keep it firmly on the agenda.”

Weekly NWP meeting at the International Water House

Laying the foundation for the future water sector

Van der Sommen also treasures the memories of Dutch companies securing contracts and NGOs gaining global exposure through NWP missions and exhibitions finding that final push to secure projects. “And let’s not forget the reception of foreign delegations and the many friendships I’ve formed through this work. Our water partnership model has been adopted by countries such as Denmark, Germany, Japan, and France, opening valuable opportunities. The opening of the International Water House in The Hague, experiments with Innovation Brokers scouting and supporting new ideas, the development of the Water Export Index, secondments from our participants, and, perhaps most significantly, the launch of the YEP programme, all laid the foundation for the future of the water sector.”

“Dutch companies and NGOs gained global exposure through NWP missions and exhibitions and oftentimes found that final push to secure a project.’’

Jeroen van der Sommen

NWP's Managing Director from 1999 to 2011

“Our water partnership model was adopted by other countries like Denmark, Germany, Japan, France, and more, which opened valuable opportunities.’’

Jeroen van der Sommen

NWP's Managing Director from 1999 to 2011

Lack of ‘water memory’

Securing future water resources is no easy task, with numerous challenges ahead. The 25th anniversary of NWP coincides with the release of a 2024 report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, which paints a bleak picture reminiscent of reports from 25 years ago, showing that the SDGs are still off track. Van der Sommen recalls a moment at Stockholm Water Week when he realised the water sector often repeats itself, lacking a ‘water memory’. “In 2007, however, exciting IT developments, like mobile phones, the internet, cloud databases, and Google, inspired me to co-found Akvo with Thomas Bjelkeman, a Swedish entrepreneur. It began as a small project within NWP that merged water knowledge with the latest IT advancements. Under the leadership of Peter van der Linde and with Aalt Leusink as Chairman, Akvo quickly grew and became independent.”

Looking beyond the water sector 

Having led NWP for over 10 years, Van der Sommen not only became its first Managing Director but also holds the record for the longest tenure. Under his leadership, NWP evolved into a dynamic organisation, representing members across the entire water cycle. Reflecting on NWP’s 25-year journey, Van der Sommen shares his message for the future: “Keep everyone on board - Government, businesses, knowledge institutions, and NGOs. We need each other to make a difference.” He urges the sector to maintain its collaborative approach, continue innovating, and keep looking beyond the boundaries of water to sectors like IT and finance. “Innovation requires momentum,” he emphasises. “My experience at NWP showed me that while the innovation brokers and I witnessed many remarkable innovations, it often took a long time for funding to become available for further development, testing, and market introduction. This delay caused many initiatives to fade prematurely, aside from a few success stories like Nereda. It's essential to look beyond the water sector and engage with the financial world (venture capitalists, family funds), the IT sector, and more. These are steps that individual participants may find challenging but can be achieved collectively within the NWP framework. I encourage the next generation to take the reins and ensure NWP’s success for another 25 years.”

''It's essential to look beyond the water sector and engage with the financial world (venture capitalists, family funds), the IT sector, and more. These are steps that individual participants may find challenging but can be achieved collectively within the NWP framework.''

Jeroen van der Sommen

NWP's Managing Director from 1999 to 2011