Dr. Arvind Kumar*
The Stockholm World Water Week 2024, held from August 25-29, 2024, brought together global stakeholders to address pressing water-related challenges. Organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), this year’s theme- Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future, emphasized the necessity of global collaboration to tackle issues such as water scarcity, transboundary water management, climate change, and equitable access to water resources. The event was both an in-person and online gathering, drawing thousands of participants from 193 countries, which highlighted the global urgency around water governance. The central theme of SWWW 2024 emphasized the interconnectivity between communities, regions, and countries, urging nations to foster cooperation on water issues. This year’s discussions were heavily influenced by the commitments made at the 2023 UN Water Conference and the 10th World Water Forum in Bali.
The event was an opportunity to assess progress on these commitments and build momentum for the upcoming global summits, including COP29 and COP16 on biodiversity.The 2024 Stockholm Water Prize was awarded to Professor Taikan Oki for his work on virtual water trade, digital river mapping, and the inclusion of human activity in the water cycle. Wenqi (Jonathan) Zhao and Christopher Whitfield from the United Kingdom receives the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2024 from HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
The five core themes of the conference were-
1. Water Cooperation for Peace and Security: Recognizing water as a shared resource, SWWW 2024 emphasized the need for international and regional cooperation. Several sessions focused on the role of water diplomacy, especially in regions facing water scarcity or conflict. Transboundary cooperation between nations sharing water bodies like rivers and lakes was a critical topic.
2. Climate Resilience and Water: With the intensifying impacts of climate change, discussions cantered on the resilience of water systems to changing environmental conditions. The urgent need to protect water ecosystems and build infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, was highlighted.
3. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Water is crucial to achieving many of the SDGs, particularly those focused on health, food security, and poverty eradication. The conference called for accelerated action in improving water governance, increasing access to clean drinking water, and enhancing sanitation services, especially for marginalized communities.
4. Innovative Water Governance: A significant focus of the week was on innovative governance mechanisms that could better manage water resources. Experts called for stronger engagement from Indigenous communities, youth, and women in water decision-making processes. Including diverse voices was seen as a way to drive equitable water solutions that reflect the needs of all stakeholders.
5. Technology and Data in Water Management: The role of technology in addressing water issues featured prominently. From satellite data to AI-driven water usage models, the week showcased innovative tools that help governments, industries, and communities manage water resources more efficiently. Monitoring water flows, managing wastewater, and reducing water pollution were key areas where technology could offer solutions.
Key Takeaways
Multisector Collaboration The conference emphasized the interconnected nature of global challenges such as health, food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity, all linked by water. Participants agreed that only through cross-sector cooperation and knowledge sharing could these issues be effectively addressed. Multinational collaborations were identified as critical to developing sustainable, holistic water solutions that cut across sectors like agriculture, energy, and public health.
Indigenous and Youth Leadership: One of the highlights of this year’s conference was the strong presence of Indigenous leaders and youth voices. They called for more inclusion in decision-making processes concerning water governance, particularly in regions where water security is most fragile. Indigenous knowledge systems, which often reflect sustainable practices honed over centuries, were recognized as vital to developing resilient water management solutions.
Urgency of Implementation: A common theme throughout SWWW 2024 was the gap between knowledge and action. Many experts pointed out that the world is not lacking good water management practices; rather, the challenge lies in scaling these practices globally. Several speakers urged policymakers to accelerate the implementation of water-related SDGs by using existing frameworks and examples of best practices from around the world.
Role of SIWI: The Stockholm International Water Institute played a crucial role in incubating collaborations among governments, businesses, NGOs, and civil society. As an institution at the forefront of global water governance, SIWI facilitated critical dialogues that aimed to foster partnerships and guide policy development for better management of shared water resources.
Preparing for Global Summits: The outcomes of SWWW 2024 will feed into key global forums, including the upcoming COP29 on climate change and COP16 on biodiversity. The discussions on water’s role in achieving broader sustainability goals are expected to shape the policy frameworks of these conferences. In particular, water-related targets within the SDGs were a focal point, with calls for clearer metrics and more robust accountability mechanisms.
Conclusion
Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain. Over two billion people still lack access to clean drinking water, and the same number lack access to proper sanitation services. Poorly managed water resources exacerbate problems of food security, health, and gender inequality. Conflict over water resources is on the rise, especially in regions where rivers and lakes cross international borders.Participants at SWWW 2024 advocated for solutions that bridge the gap between local and global scales. Several successful case studies from around the world were presented, showing how localized water management practices could be scaled to regional or international levels. Additionally, partnerships with the private sector were encouraged, as businesses play a key role in shaping water usage patterns, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
The Stockholm World Water Week 2024 reinforced the critical role of water in global peace, security, and sustainability. As we move towards key global milestones, such as COP29 and the 2026 UN Water Conference, the event provided a vital platform for sharing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and promoting innovative solutions. However, the urgency to implement existing solutions was the most resounding call from the week. It is clear that while the world has the tools to address many water-related challenges, what is now needed is the collective political will to act and ensure a water-secure future for all. SWWW 2024 has set the stage for continued dialogue and action, leaving stakeholders with a clear message: water governance must become a global priority, not only to secure water for future generations but to maintain global peace and security in an increasingly interconnected world.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
