Water security is one of the most critical issues the world is facing today. Climate change, coupled with environmental and demographic pressures, mean some of the greatest challenges are faced in developing and emerging economies.
To that end, the International Water Association (IWA) Water and Development Congress, to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from the 13th to the 16th of November 2017 will bring water science and research from public and private sectors, financial institutions, as well as policymakers together in order to drive water cooperation and water solutions that can be applied internationally.
“Water is pivotal for societal development, environmental health and sustainable economic growth. There is enormous potential to address water challenges by implementing available solutions and best practice at scale, as well as through innovations in science, technology and policy,” Professor Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director of the IWA, said. “There is renewed focus on water in Latin America as the most urbanised region on the planet as it acts as a test case for the rest of the world on how we manage water for sustainable and water-wise cities.”
The Water and Development Congress is a global event that provides a platform for national, regional an international cooperation on water. It bridges the gap between the science and practice of water management, connecting it with industry, financial institutions and policy makers, to deliver practical solutions that help achieve the globally agreed 2030 Sustainable Development Goal vision for water.
The World Bank estimates that since 1990, an additional 2.1 billion people worldwide gained access to improved sanitation, and 91 per cent of the global population now use improved drinking water sources. However, many people have to manage with poor service quality, including intermittent supplies. In addition, global water demand is expected to exceed supply by 40 per cent by 2030. In Latin America only 65 per cent and 22 per cent of the population enjoy access to safely managed water and sanitation respectively.
The Water and Development Congress is an agenda-setting meeting that addresses the challenges and solutions needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The meeting will feature:
- Keynote speakers: thought leaders from within and beyond the water sector provide spark the critical debates the water sector needs to address
- Dynamic Forums: leaders from cities, government, utilities, regulators and science bring together current trends, latest research and leading practice
- Thematic Tracks: science, technology and practice that challenge current norms and inspire new approaches and technologies
- Workshops and Technical Sessions: 260 sessions that highlight global examples of best practices in water management
- International Exhibition: a one-stop-shop connecting the right people with the right solutions from more than 150 leading international companies and institutes
