Dutch Water Sector makes impact at IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Toronto

From 11-15 August 2024, the Dutch water sector contributed significantly to the IWA (International Water Association) World Water Congress and Exhibition (IWA WWCE) in Toronto, Canada. The IWA WWCE, a global event known for bringing together water professionals from around the world, attracted approximately 7,900 participants. The Dutch delegation, renowned for its innovative and sustainable water solutions, played a pivotal role by hosting several seminar sessions and participating actively in the exhibition.

The Netherlands Lounge: A Hub of Expertise

The Netherlands Water Partnership, in collaboration with Water Alliance and the Dutch Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, organised the Netherlands lounge including several networking events. The Lounge, centrally located on the exhibition floor and next to the booth of KWR, became a vibrant hub where Dutch water experts connected with global counterparts.

The following Dutch organisations showcased their expertise at the Netherlands Lounge at booth 910:

Aquatech Global Events
EBC Foundation
Hydraloop
LG Sonic
PWNT Technologies
Vewin
Water4All
Water Alliance

Solving global challenges together

The event kicked off on Sunday 11 August with the IWA WWCE welcome reception, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for exhibitors and delegates to connect.

On 12 August, Meike van Ginneken, Special Water Envoy of the Government of the Netherlands, met with Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water in Canada. This high-level meeting underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing global water challenges.

The day also featured the traditional Dutch drinks reception, The Netherlands Lounge quickly became a popular spot, bustling with activity as over 75 guests gathered for networking in a relaxed setting.

Guests were welcomed with words from the hosts of the reception: Consul General Harman Idema, of the Dutch Consulate in Toronto, Meike van Ginneken, Special Water Envoy of the Government of the Netherlands, Marielle van der Zouwen, interim CEO of KWR, and Bjorn Kaare Jensen of Water4all concluded this high level line-up and the reception provided a perfect opportunity for building connections and fostering collaboration.

Dutch water envoy Meike van Ginneken in conversation with Terry Guguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water

Dutch water envoy Meike van Ginneken in conversation with Terry Guguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada and Special Advisor for Water

Knowledge Exchange at the Business Forum

On 13 August the Business Forum seminar session focused on knowledge exchange, featuring presentations about Dutch innovative solutions.

Mirjam van Buchem from NWP opened the session, followed by a keynote from Meike van Ginneken, who presented the Netherlands' water ambitions.

Subsequently, the Business Forum covered a range of topics, from circular water solutions presented by Hydraloop, the Water4all partnership presented by Rixt Sinnema, to an engaging film and quiz session hosted by Aquatech Global Events.

Throughout the IWA congress programme, Dutch water experts shared their insights in various presentations on key issues such as:

Climate Resilient Utilities ( PWNT Technologies)
Mainstreaming The Use Of Nature-based Solutions (Part 1) - Partnering With Nature From Source To Tap And Back (by LG Sonic)
Blueprint for a Circular Water Smart Society (by the Water Alliance)
Chemicals of Emerging Concern: Looking at Individual Contaminants, Chemical Mixtures, or the Exposome (by KWR)
Mainstreaming The Use Of Nature-based Solutions (Part 2) - Barriers And Challenges For Implementation Of NbS (by LG Sonic)

This is just to name a few, the complete list of sessions which Dutch involvement is extensive and can be found here.

Interested in connecting with the Dutch water experts?

The Dutch presence at IWA WWCE was organised by NWP, in close collaboration with the Dutch Consulates of Toronto, Vancouver, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Canada.

The Netherlands Lounge was organised by NWP and co-hosted by the Water Alliance. This project was made possible with support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Top Sector Water & Maritime.

If you were not able to connect with the Dutch water experts at the IWA WWCE event, or if you would like to know more, please feel free to reach out to Mirjam van Buchem of NWP.

About IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition

Focusing on leading practice, innovation and solutions, the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition provides new networking and business opportunities, and ensures maximum exposure between participants, exhibitors and sponsors. It connects attendees with the right people and the right solutions, and has a track record of fostering new collaborations and partnerships, and providing a platform for exhibitors and sponsors to raise their profile among leading water professionals and companies.