Member Meet-up inspires Dutch water sector to lead global water action

Drawing on the Commission's ‘The Economics of Water: Valuing the Hydrological Cycle as a Global Common Good’ report, Ovink challenged participants to fundamentally rethink the way water is valued and governed.

His core message was clear: the assumption that water supplies are stable, predictable and manageable no longer holds true. Climate change, unsustainable water use and land-use change are destabilising the global hydrological cycle, with consequences that extend far beyond national borders.

Rather than looking at water through an economic lens, the Commission argues that economies should be viewed through a water lens. Recognising the hydrological cycle as a global common good requires a different way of thinking about water governance, investment and international cooperation.

Ovink emphasised that the Dutch water sector has a unique role to play.

"We – the Dutch water sector – can provoke the future."

Ovink explains that the Netherlands has built an internationally recognised approach based on long-term thinking, collaboration and integrated water management. Rather than simply responding to crises, the sector has the expertise to demonstrate alternative pathways and inspire system change.

Five missions to address the global water crisis

The Commission identifies five interconnected missions to address the global water crisis:

• launching a new revolution in food systems;
• conserving and restoring natural ecosystems that sustain green water;
• establishing a circular water economy;
• enabling a clean-energy and AI-rich future with lower water intensity; and,
• ensuring that no child dies from unsafe water by 2030.

These missions are closely aligned with the expertise, partnerships and international programmes of the Dutch water sector.

Another important theme was the need for leadership. Ovink stressed that meaningful progress depends on transparency, collective action and the willingness to lead.

"We should not wait for others," he said, "The Netherlands can take the lead. It may feel uncomfortable, but leadership creates space for collaboration and change."

The discussion also highlighted how water links climate change, biodiversity, food security and economic development. More than half the rainfall over land is generated through evaporation and transpiration from soil, forests and other vegetation, meaning that land-use changes in one region can influence rainfall and water availability elsewhere. This interconnectedness reinforces the need to place water much higher on the global political agenda. 

As the Commission concludes, humanity's future depends on restoring the hydrological cycle and building governance systems that recognise water as a shared global responsibility.

Changing political and international context

Following the keynote, NWP Director Rick Elmendorp reflected on the Dutch water sector's role in a changing political and international context. While water currently receives less attention on the national agenda, he stressed that this makes it even more important for the sector to build strong coalitions, develop concrete ideas and continue positioning itself as a trusted international partner.

"The Dutch water sector has a key role to play in addressing global challenges," he said. "Nature, biodiversity, climate and water are all interconnected. We can make a real difference through strong partnerships and integrated approaches."

Preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference

Members were also updated on preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi by Jan Franke (Partners for Water / Netherlands Enterprise Agency) and Thomas Vergna (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The Netherlands aims to position itself as a visible and reliable international water partner at the conference. Building on the momentum created by the 2023 UN Water Conference, the Dutch contribution will focus on turning commitments into implementation, strengthening international water cooperation and keeping water high on the global political agenda. 

Plans include high-level representation, contributions to the official programme, side events, a Netherlands Pavilion, a Dutch reception and public diplomacy activities.

Organisations interested in participating were encouraged to engage with Jan Franke: j.franke@rvo.nl, as preparations continue in the coming months.

Continuing the conversation

As always, the Member Meet-up also provided valuable opportunities for members to reconnect, welcome new organisations to the network and exchange ideas on current developments across the sector. 

The afternoon demonstrated once again that addressing today's water challenges requires collaboration across disciplines, sectors and borders. By combining world-class expertise with strong partnerships and a shared ambition, the Dutch water sector is well positioned to contribute to lasting global impact.

NWP thanks Henk Ovink, Jan Franke, Thomas Vergna and all the members who helped create another inspiring and engaging Member Meet-up.