Dutch Water Sector Advisory Committee

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Inclusive Green Growth Department, would like to convene an Advisory Committee of 12 people representing the interests of the Dutch water sector to advise the Dutch Government in the context of this conference. The Advisory Committee has two positions available for private sector representation.

If you are a Dutch-based private sector organisation (with Chamber of Commerce registration number) active in the Dutch water sector and would like to be considered for one of these positions, contact Arjan Braamskamp, Business Relations Manager at NWP, before 9 March (COB).

About the UN 2023 Water Conference
Water is a fundamental part of all aspects of life. Water is inextricably linked to the three pillars of sustainable development, and it integrates social, cultural, economic and political values. It is crosscutting and supports the achievement of many Sustainable Development Goals through close linkages with climate, energy, cities, the environment, food security, poverty, gender equality and health, among others. With climate change profoundly affecting our economies, societies and environment, water is indeed the biggest deal breaker to achieve the internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

However, water does not only present us with challenges. It also presents us with a great opportunity. If we understand the complex relations and inter-linkages, value water holistically, and manage water inclusively at all levels and across all interests, then water can be the dealmaker, the leverage point for a green economy, climate resilience and a more sustainable and inclusive world. Water – because of its many inter-linkages – can bring together all stakeholders (individual, institutional, informal) to forge coalitions, strengthen capacities and provide solutions to be replicated and scaled.

In this context, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed in its resolution 71/222 the period from 2018 to 2028 as the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development” aiming to further improve cooperation, partnership, capacity development and catalyse actions in response to the ambitious United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

United Nations 2023 Water Conference will be held from 22 to 24 March 2023 in New York. As co-hosts of the Conference, the governments of Tajikistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands will strive to make the Conference a watershed moment for the world. The vision for the Conference is that we all fundamentally understand, value and manage water better and take concerted action to achieve the internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

For more information about the Conference can be found here.