The last session of Water Innovation Europe has successfully concluded. Today the discussion explored the strategies to upscale the EU Water-Smart Society on a global level. From the need of a new circular economy to recognising water as a human right, the round of today’s high-level speakers raised awareness not only about the international challenges that water resources face but also debated on how we can address them. Here is a recap:
✅ The challenge doesn’t lie in the technologies or the finance but in our values: How we value resources and systems. For this, we need to change our cultural mindset, raise awareness and involve the next generations.
✅ To achieve the Paris Agreement goals, we need a fair, decarbonized and circular development model that makes room for innovative solutions, change of narratives and new ways of thinking.
✅ Sustainable finance has a role to play and contribute to gathering the huge investments that are needed. We need an increase of investments in water use efficiency, reuse, circular solutions and restoration of ecosystems and natural habitats.
✅ We need to recognise water as a human right and together with that, we need to take responsibility for what this right means.
✅ Being inclusive, building partnerships and collaborating across the value chain, sectors and borders are the most crucial elements.
We proclaimed two winners during the event, presented by Rasha Hassan and Water Europe President Tomas Michel:
Global Water Challenges Awards: KWR
Honorary Member: Mike Farrimond
Over these 5 days, we were delighted to welcome a great range of speakers and host a series of insightful and inspiring conversations and workshops. You can watch all the Sessions and Workshops on Youtube.
