Celebrating 25 years of the Netherlands Water Partnership’s impact on the global water sector

5 November 2024 marked the Netherlands Water Partnership’s (NWP) 25th anniversary. NWP proudly celebrated a quarter of a century of collaboration, innovation, and coordination in bringing the Dutch water sector's knowledge and expertise to the international stage. Held at the beautiful De Oude Bibliotheek (DOB, the old library) in Delft, this milestone brought together NWP members and special invitees to reflect on past achievements and, more importantly, to envision the future of the global water sector.

A vision for the next 25 years

The event's theme was ‘Envision the Evolution of the International Water Sector’, and it focused on imagining what the water sector could look like in 2049 and how we could get there. The day’s discussions and celebrations revolved around the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and the attendees stepped out of their comfort zones to explore new ways to shape the sector's future. Watch the aftermovie here

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Celebration of the Netherlands Water Partnership's 25th Anniversary

Inspiring keynote and lively discussions

NWP’s Managing Director, Rick Elmendorp, opened the event by reflecting on NWP’s 25 years of achievements, setting the tone for the day. His introduction led seamlessly to a keynote speech by Wampie Libon, Director of Inclusive Green Growth at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The renowned author and futurist Ruud Veltenaar then captivated the audience with his inspiring vision of the future, urging attendees to rethink traditional approaches and embrace the technological innovations that potentially transform the sector.

After the keynote, the attendees joined interactive breakout sessions on critical themes like Water & Finance, Water & Agri-Food, and Water & Climate adaptation. These sessions sparked lively discussions and generated fresh perspectives on the interface between water and other sectors, fostering valuable cross-industry collaboration. On stage, Annemieke Nijhof led a lively discussion with Ivo Demmers, Henk Nieboer, Anne Loes Nillesen, and Rick Elmendorp, as they delved into the insights and ideas emerging from the sessions. Their conversation sparked fresh perspectives on the future of the water sector, underscoring the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping a sustainable tomorrow. A visual artist brought everything together in an appealing illustration.

The anniversary celebration concluded with a vibrant networking reception, and the attendees raised a glass to NWP’s achievements and shared their excitement for what lies ahead. It was a fitting tribute to NWP’s 25 years and a powerful reminder of our shared collective responsibility in building a sustainable future.

Visual: Envision the evolution of the international water sector

Looking back – and forward

NWP has been at the forefront of connecting Dutch water sector expertise with global challenges for 25 years. As we look to the future, NWP remains committed to evolving with the changing demands of the global water sector. The event underscored the importance of innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration, and that NWP and its members will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a water-secure world for the next 25 years and beyond.

Thank you to all who attended and made this event so memorable. Together, we will continue making waves in the water sector!

The NWP team toasts to the future together with the audience