NWP brings Dutch water expertise to Resilience Expo 2026

Co-organised by the State of Nordrhein-Westfalen, the Resilience Expo brought together companies, start-ups, research institutions, municipalities and policymakers with a shared mission: accelerating solutions for a climate-resilient future. Against a backdrop of increasing climate risks, the event highlighted the importance of turning innovative ideas into practical action and fostering international cooperation.

As part of the mission, NWP facilitated participation in the Expo and helped Dutch organisations connect with German stakeholders, policymakers and innovators. The shared Dutch stand welcomed distinguished visitors including Oliver Krischer, Nordrhein-Westfalen’s State Minister for Environment, Nature Protection and Transport, and Katrina Kessler, Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The NWP members present included AVIC, Bark Interim, CITYFÖRSTER, Dutch Water Prevention, and Van Remmen UV Technology. Also participating was Reefy. Together they showcased a broad range of Dutch expertise, ranging from flood resilience to urban planning.

In his presentation, NWP's Arjan Braamskamp explained the Dutch approach to public-private collaboration, illustrating how partnerships between government bodies, knowledge institutions and businesses drive innovation and accelerate implementation.

Valuable connections and shared learning

For the organisations present, the mission offered more than just exposure to new markets. It also created opportunities to exchange knowledge, build relationships and learn from international experiences.

Reflecting on the event, Aart Bark of Bark Interim said that "Besides the opportunity to connect with fellow NWP members and get to know each other better, it was inspiring to exchange insights with professionals from different regions, from Minnesota to across Europe."

Participants also highlighted the value of the mission itself. Reefy, one of the exhibitors, expressed its appreciation for NWP's role in bringing together Dutch innovators and facilitating connections across borders. "Being part of the Resilience Expo through NWP was a fantastic opportunity to connect with German innovators, learn more about regional developments and strengthen international collaboration. We are grateful to NWP for bringing the Dutch water sector together and creating valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and partnership building. Events like these are only possible thanks to the dedication of the people working behind the scenes."

Looking ahead

The Resilience Expo demonstrated the growing momentum around climate adaptation and resilience in Germany and beyond. For NWP and its members, the event reinforced the importance of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges and accelerating the deployment of innovative solutions.

NWP would like to thank the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Düsseldorf and ROM Utrecht for their support in organising this mission. We look forward to strengthening cooperation with our German counterparts and continuing to build resilient communities together.