Stockholm World Water Week: determination and optimism dominate

Rick Elmendorp reported that “Stockholm World Water Week 2024, which took place from 25-29 August, brought the global community together, across all borders. It turned out to be a dynamic and engaging conference, showing that the intention to put water and people at the centre of a sustainable future is a truly global affair and there is a clear and collective will to take action.”

Elmendorp as well as Cornelissen noted that the Netherlands was very well represented by high-level Government officials such as Dutch Water Envoy Meike van Ginneken, and policy makers from both the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Infrastructure and Water Management. Additionally, research and knowledge institutes, several NGOs, and numerous leading Dutch private sector organisations, including NWP member Royal Haskoning DHV, were all actively involved. 

Drive and passion displayed at Stockholm World Water Week

The two NWP representatives at Stockholm World Water Week were truly impressed by the drive and passion displayed by the speakers, exhibiting organisations, and attendees. In the face of significant geopolitical challenges in Europe – challenges that might otherwise distract from water issues – the event demonstrated the water sector's unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact. The atmosphere was one of determination and optimism, a clear sign that, despite the difficulties, the glass is still half full when it comes to securing a sustainable future for water.

In addition, Cornelissen stated that “A key takeaway for me was the emphasis on empowering future leaders, with a strong focus on youth. It was encouraging to see young people integrated in the sessions rather than being given a separate space. The event also stood out for its action-oriented approach – discussions weren't just theoretical, but based on practical ways to apply ideas back home and collaborate for lasting change. Notably, the youth demonstrated a boldness that was inspiring and is perfectly captured by a quote from Pippi Longstocking: ‘I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that’."
 

NoWNET partners united

On 26 August, Elmendorp presented the NoWNET session that NWP and the other NoWNET partners hosted at Stockholm World Water Week. The session on ‘Water partnerships for collective action: bridging borders between stakeholders!’ discussed and evaluated the pivotal roles of water partnerships in accelerating effective actions for water-related challenges at the local, national, and global level.

The session was incredibly well-attended, highlighting the significant value the SWWW attendees place on water partnerships. In reflection, Elmendorp points out that “This strong turnout reinforces the collective commitment of NWP and all its partners to fostering collaboration in the water sector and strengthening collaboration between countries. And in addressing our global challenges, there is a clear and growing need for collaboration beyond the borders of our sector. At the session I urged the international water sector to recognise this need and to step out of their bubble and seek collaboration with players in other sectors.”

The session was hosted by the Northern Water Network (NoWNET) – a network of 11 country-level water partnerships – with more than 1,000 member companies and organisations in Europe, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. NWP is founding member of the NoWNET network.