Dutch diplomatic posts: key enablers for the international position of the Dutch water sector

The Ambassadors Conference 2026 revolved around what is needed for a decisive, effective and future-proof foreign policy. Under the theme ‘Diplomacy in a changing world’, discussions centred on strengthening the Netherlands’ position in the EU and NATO, while deepening relations with regions around Europe, emerging non-Western countries and the most promising international markets. These partnerships are considered essential for enhancing the security, resilience and long-term prosperity of the Netherlands.

Strengthening cooperation between the water sector and the diplomatic network

Rick Elmendorp held a series of meetings with members of the Dutch diplomatic network at the conference and throughout the week. He looks back on the conversations as inspiring and meaningful, and where there was a rich exchange of perspectives on how to work together more closely to strengthen the global presence of the Dutch water sector.

Meetings and exchanges took place with representatives from several Dutch embassies and consulates, including posts in Benin, Ethiopia, India (Mumbai and New Delhi), Mexico, Nigeria, and Oman. In addition, the conference provided valuable opportunities to connect with a wide range of other relevant stakeholders, such as Dutch policymakers and financiers.

“The Dutch posts abroad are of enormous importance to the international position of our water sector,” Elmendorp noted. “They are key in opening doors, building trusted relationships and helping Dutch organisations navigate complex local contexts.”

These interactions and conversations with other relevant stakeholders led to a broader and more integrated dialogue on international cooperation and the positioning of the Dutch water sector.

A strong foreign policy and the Dutch Diamond approach

The importance of the diplomatic posts is also emphasised in a recent joint letter sent to Informateur (the person tasked with forming the new Government) Van Haersma Buma by a broad coalition of Dutch businesses, knowledge institutions and civil society organisations, including NWP. Signed by 82 organisations, the letter calls on the next Cabinet to revitalise multistakeholder cooperation under the Dutch Diamond approach – which aims to promote collaboration between the private sector, the public sector, civil society organisations and knowledge institutions – and to continue investing in the overseas network.

It’s message aligns closely with NWP’s earlier input to the previous Government Cabinet Schoof, where the Dutch water sector underlined the importance of coherent international policy, long-term partnerships and sufficient capacity at embassies and consulates to support Dutch expertise abroad.

Water is a top global priority

One of the key takeaways from the Ambassadors Conference was the shared recognition that water is a top priority across regions and policy domains. “Water is seen by everyone as essential,” Elmendorp observed. “There is more attention for water than ever before – and rightly so, because water is indispensable in all sectors and the challenges are greater than ever.”

Current Dutch and international policy frameworks clearly confirm the strategic importance of water, both for the Netherlands and globally. This creates concrete opportunities for collaboration in a wide range of countries. At the same time, practical barriers often remain for companies and organisations looking to operate in new markets.

This is where NWP and its network and partners can play a meaningful role. They can help lower entry barriers, reduce risks and translate opportunities into concrete, bankable propositions that the sector is willing and able to pursue.

From strategy to implementation: insights from WEX

Elmendorp observes that the discussions at the conference closely reflect the insights from the Watersector Export Index (WEX) Report 2024, which highlights the international competitiveness of the Dutch water sector and identifies key growth markets. Countries such as India and Mexico emerge as particularly promising, a finding that is further explored in NWP’s recent analysis on strengthening global competitiveness.

NWP continuously explores how it can further foreign policy strategies and support the positioning of the Dutch water sector in these opportunity markets. This work builds on NWP’s existing networks, country knowledge and long-standing relationships.

To translate these foundations into focused support of the sector’s strategic engagement, NWP regularly uses market scans. These market scans explore new and consolidate existing information and make them accessible to Dutch water sector stakeholders, while also defining priorities for action. They show:

• where opportunities lie for knowledge exchange and business development;
• market entry barriers and how these can be addressed;
• overviews of local ecosystems and relevant actors; and,
• any alignment with the quality, expertise and ambitions of the Dutch water sector.

Recent examples include a completed market scan for Brazil and an ongoing study for India.

As the conversations throughout the week demonstrated, international interest extends beyond climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, integrated water resources management, urban planning, water supply and wastewater treatment. In countries such as Mexico and Nigeria, there is also strong interest in collaboration around industrial water use, an area that offers significant potential for Dutch knowledge and solutions.

Looking ahead: collaboration across sectors and borders

The matchmaking meetings at the Ambassadors Conference laid a solid foundation for follow-up discussions with both the posts themselves and other partners, including international financial institutions, when it comes to funding opportunities.

NWP also sees a clear value in linking water more explicitly to other sectors such as agriculture, horticulture and energy, as well as in strengthening cooperation with other European member states. In terms of European funding instruments, collaboration with partners from other EU countries is often a prerequisite – and an opportunity to achieve greater impact together.

By connecting policy, diplomacy and practice, NWP aims to contribute to turning global water challenges into concrete opportunities for collaboration and business, while reinforcing the international position of the Dutch water sector.