We are currently working on the detailed agenda. Should you have a proposal or speaker suggestion, feel free to apply via or Call for Papers or directly contact the conference director Anke Neytchev (a.neytchev@handelsblattgroup.com).
Would you like to take a more active role?
Apply to become a speaker / session host / table captain through our Call for Papers.
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Apply to become a speaker / session host / table captain through our Call for Papers.
Program
Day 1
Program Preview – Subject to change.
March 17, 2025
Day 1 | 10:00 – 17:15 + Get-together
Opening of the Conference
The Global Water Crisis: Current Realities and the Urgent Call for Action
Opening Keynote
A New paradigm for water
Opening Keynote
On the road to the 2030 targets on clean water and safe sanitation: Achievements, challenges, and strategies to accelerate progress
Panel Discussion
The Economics of Water: Shaping a Sustainable Future
- How can we redefine the economic value of water to reflect its true scarcity and importance?
- How can water positively influence the outcome of all the other SDGs?
- Can new economic models help create more equitable access to water resources globally?
Panel Discussion
Achieving SDG #6: Progress, Pitfalls, and the Path Forward
- What are the key challenges and achievements in reaching the 2030 targets for SDG #6?
- How can governments, institutions and industries better collaborate to meet these global water and sanitation goals?
- What are innovative strategies to accelerate progress toward clean water and sanitation for all?
Global policies and regulatory frameworks: Effective water governance
Fireside chat
The EU Green Deal – Recognising the Socio-Economic Value of Water
- Making water a priority within the Green Deal and aligning relevant EU policies to better integrate water considerations into the overall strategy
- Paving the way forward to a water resilient Europe
- Blue diplomacy and the importance of integrating water into the EU’s foreign policy
Panel Discussion
Water at the Heart of Global Policies: The Role of Legislation and Regulatory Frameworks
- How can policies, e.g. around the EU Green Deal, be leveraged as a model for integrating water management into climate policy?
- What are the lessons from implementing water priorities in large-scale environmental frameworks?
- How can policymakers encourage private sector involvement in water governance initiatives?
Best Practice Panel
One Test, One Standard: The Successful European Harmonization of Materials in Contact with Drinking Water
- Goal: Making the European single market more sustainable and stronger
- Collaborative approach across countries
LUNCH BREAK
Water supply and sanitation systems in developing countries and disaster-stricken areas
Keynote
- Dinesh Mehta,Professor Emeritus, Center Head, Center for Water and Sanitation CWAS (confirmed)
Panel Discussion
Unlocking the Sanitation Market in Developing Countries: How to Create an Ecosystem between Market Opportunities and Social Impact Initiatives
- How can businesses bring innovation and scalable solutions to underserved markets?
- What regulatory, financial, and infrastructural barriers prevent businesses from entering the sanitation market in developing countries?
- How can governments, international organizations, and NGOs work together to create a more conducive environment for private sector investment?
- What role can corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social business models play in creating long-term, sustainable sanitation solutions?
Panel Discussion
Ukraine Water Recovery: Rebuilding Access to Clean Water and Sanitation Post-Conflict in Ukraine’s Water Sector
- Short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for ensuring access to clean water and safe sanitation
- Addressing immediate water needs and infrastructure damage: What role can rapid-response technologies and mobile water treatment systems play in the short-term recovery phase?
- How can Ukraine rebuild its damaged water infrastructure and ensure that rebuilt water systems are resilient to future crises and environmental challenges?
- What are the key sources of financing for medium-term infrastructure development, and how can international investors and companies be encouraged to participate?
International collaboration and project financing: Strategies, Scope, Stakeholder engagement
Best Practice Panel
Public-Private Partnerships: The Key to Water Security?
- What are the potential benefits and risks of public-private partnerships in water and sanitation projects?
- How can these partnerships be structured to ensure long-term sustainability and affordability?
- What examples of successful public-private collaborations in water management can be applied globally?
Panel discussion
Stakeholder Engagement in WASH Programs: Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Community Involvement
- How can governments and local institutions be empowered to take leadership roles in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) projects?
- How can local communities, governments, and businesses collaborate to ensure that water projects meet the needs of all stakeholders?
- What skills are most critical for professionals working in the WASH sector, and how can they be effectively developed?
- How can new technologies and digital tools be used to enhance capacity and improve efficiency in WASH programs?
Closing Keynote
Wrap-Up of the conference day
Day 2
March 18, 2025
Day 2 | 09:30 – 17:00
From Global Vision to Action: Future Solutions for Clean Water and Sanitation
09:30
Welcome
09:40
Opening Keynote or Panel Discussion
10:10
Introduction of Breakout Sessions and time to change rooms
10:30
Parallel Sessions in 3-4 Tracks
12:00
LUNCH BREAK
13:00
Parallel Sessions in 3-4 Tracks
14:45
Parallel Sessions in 3-4 Tracks
16:30
Closing keynote
16:55
Wrap-Up of the conference
Best Practice Cases from WASH initiatives around the globe
(e.g. on school sanitation, public health / disease prevention, urban development, reducing water waste, gender equality)
Track 1: Solutions for safe drinking water and sanitation
- Innovative projects around the globe on safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH): How to achieve effective cross-sectoral partnerships and cooperation? Building community-led approaches that promote self-sufficiency
- Practical community approaches: Working hand-in-hand with local people, industry and regulators
- Creating a market for new sanitation products in low and lower-income areas: The need to lower barriers to market entry in order to attract industry and innovators
Track 2: Capacity building for WASH programs
- Empower the public sector, private and industrial water users and stakeholders to value water: Taking responsibility for the efficient water use
- Water conservation and behavioural change: What are the key drivers for behavioural change among users (industry and households) to reduce water use in buildings? How can technology influence user behaviour regarding water use? How can product design encourage more sustainable water use habits?
- Skills and workforce development
Best Practice Cases from Urban Planning, the Real Estate and Housing Industry
Track 3: Resource-efficient water use in buildings
- The latest advancements in water-efficient technologies for residential and commercial buildings: How can water-efficient buildings contribute to broader environmental sustainability goals?
- Net-zero water buildings: How to create a circular and self-sustaining water supply? What are the costs and benefits – for both commercial and private buildings?
Track 4: Technology and innovation in water-bearing systems and sanitation
- Ensuring hygienic drinking water supply in buildings: How can water-bearing systems be designed to prevent contamination and ensure consistent water quality?
- Digital solutions for water quality monitoring: How can building managers use digital solutions to quickly identify and address water quality issues? How do new digital solutions integrate with existing systems?
- Effective leak mitigation strategies for buildings: Water leak detection and monitoring solutions to save water and reduce costs
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