Dr. Arvind Kumar*
The Water Transversality Global Awards and Conclave 2024, held on December 5th-6th at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, presented a powerful platform for global leaders and experts to discuss the intricate interconnections between water, energy, and the environment. The conference underscored the urgency of adopting integrated, multi-sectoral approaches to achieve sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change, resource scarcity, and growing environmental challenges.
Revolutionizing Sustainability with Transversality
One of the primary takeaways from the conclave was the call for breaking down traditional silos and embracing a transdisciplinary framework to tackle the water-energy-environment nexus. Dr. Arvind Kumar, President of the India Water Foundation, emphasized that a holistic, systems-based approach is essential for creating sustainable solutions. This vision was echoed by various speakers, including Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator India, who stressed the fundamental role of water not only in health but also in peace and security, urging the international community to recognize it as a human right.
The conference also highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors and regions. Ms. Archana Varma, AS& MD, NWM emphasised that we must prioritise climate resilience in agriculture and lets sustainable practices to ensure water security for future generations. Sh. Amit Ghosh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, underscored the need for unity in addressing the interconnected challenges of water, energy, and environment. Discussions on regional cooperation, particularly in South and Southwest Asia, brought to light the critical need for harmonized water management strategies, as water knows no borders. Sh. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), highlighted that the water-energy-food crises are deeply linked to inequities, stressing the importance of addressing both intragenerational and intergenerational equity through data-sharing and integrated planning. Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Head SSWA-UN ESCAP and other regional experts emphasized that coordinated, bilateral, and sub-regional cooperation could lead to more effective water management solutions.
Key dialogues at the conference also explored innovative technological solutions, particularly in renewable energy and water reuse. Dr. Rabi H. Mohtar, Governor of the World Water Council, advocated for shifting from sectoral approaches to integrated systems thinking in sustainable development. Dr. Rajan Sudesh Ratna, Deputy Head, UN ESCAP, highlighted the untapped renewable energy potential in South and Southwest Asia and the need to accelerate growth in renewable energy capacity. Dr. S.K. Sharma, Principal Advisor to the India Water Foundation, raised concerns about the water intensity of green hydrogen production, especially in water-stressed regions like India, where balancing water conservation and energy production is a significant challenge. The sessions on water use efficiency in the industrial sector, led by Mr. U.P. Singh, Former Secretary, GOI and Ms. Laura Sustersic, Project Manager, GIZ showcased promising examples of wastewater treatment and recycling in industrial clusters, suggesting that innovation, green financing, and cross-sector collaboration could substantially improve water efficiency.
Breaking Down Barriers
A central theme of the conclave was the need for inclusive, equitable policy-making. Dr. Eddy Moors, Rector of the IHE Delft Institute of Water Education, stressed the importance of the water-energy-food nexus and called for more efficient resource allocation, fewer trade-offs, and greater synergies. Mr. Saraswati Prasad, Senior Advisor at UNOPS, noted that India is at a critical juncture in addressing the stress on interconnected systems, and the decisions made today will have lasting impacts on the future. Dr. Kapil Narula, Senior Analyst at the Breakthrough Agenda highlighted the
The role of policy in fostering sustainable, inclusive development was also underscored by leaders like Sh. Ram Mohan Mishra, Chairman, Investment Promotion Board, Meghalaya and Mr. Navneet Sehgal, Chairman Prasar Bharti who emphasized the need for policies that prioritize water conservation and equitable access, particularly for marginalized communities.
The second day of the conference delved into decarbonization pathways and the potential of India’s green energy transition. Mr. R.K. Pachnanda, Former Chairman of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission, discussed India’s ambitious renewable energy goals and the National Hydrogen Mission, positioning India as a leader in the global green energy movement. At the same time, there was a growing recognition that technological advancements, coupled with community-led initiatives, will be key to scaling up sustainable solutions. Ms. Vandana Yadav, Advisor, GIZ and Mr. Neeraj Gahlawat, Senior water resources speacialist, Embassy of Israel in India discussed the potential for decentralized, community-driven projects to enhance water security and energy access.
Sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation
Finally, the conference concluded with a powerful call for a paradigm shift in how we view and interact with nature. The importance of integrating spirituality and sustainability was highlighted by HH Acharyashri Lokesh Ji, Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, who stressed that the growing environmental challenges are a reflection of a deeper societal imbalance. Speakers like Atul Bagai, Former Head of UNEP, argued for a cultural transformation in how humanity perceives and values nature, drawing from ancient traditions to foster greater respect and stewardship of the environment.
The Water Transversality Global Awards and Conclave 2024 thus provided a comprehensive platform for exchanging ideas and forging partnerships to address the complex challenges of the water-energy-environment nexus. It reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, innovation, inclusive policies, and integrated approaches to secure a sustainable and equitable future for all.
The Water Transversality Global Awards and Conclave 2024 has highlighted the critical need for a holistic and integrated approach to address the complex challenges posed by the water-energy-environment nexus. The discussions emphasized that sustainability is not a standalone goal but a multi-dimensional issue requiring cross-sectoral collaboration, innovative solutions, and inclusive policies. As the world faces mounting environmental crises, the conference provided a clear call to action for policymakers, industries, and communities to work together towards a sustainable future.
Key recommendations arising from the conclave include:
- Strengthen Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Governments, businesses, and civil society must transcend traditional silos to create more cohesive and collaborative frameworks for managing the interconnected challenges of water, energy, and the environment. This can be achieved through shared policies, joint research, and unified action plans.
- Regional and Transboundary Cooperation: Given the cross-border nature of water management, regional cooperation should be prioritized. Countries should work together on shared water resources, pooling data, technology, and expertise to ensure equitable and sustainable water access and management.
- Innovative Technology and Data Sharing: Harnessing emerging technologies like renewable energy, water recycling, and green hydrogen, along with improved data-sharing platforms, is crucial. Innovation must be coupled with robust planning to ensure that technological advancements align with sustainability goals and local contexts.
- Inclusive and Equitable Policy Development: Policy frameworks must ensure that marginalized and vulnerable populations, particularly women, have access to the benefits of sustainable development. This involves rethinking governance structures to incorporate local voices and ensure that policies are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all communities.
- Cultural Transformation and Environmental Stewardship: A shift in how societies view nature is essential. Encouraging cultural values that foster respect for water, energy, and the environment can pave the way for long-term sustainable behaviour. Educational campaigns and community engagement should emphasize sustainability as a shared global responsibility.
By adopting these recommendations, governments and stakeholders can effectively tackle the challenges of the water-energy-environment nexus, ensuring a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world for future generations.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
