New Delhi, 20 September (H.S.): Amid the challenges posed by climate change, the ninth India International Water Week, focused on strengthening water security and making water management more effective, will begin on Tuesday, September 22. Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the event on September 22. The five-day programme will deliberate on strengthening water security through climate-resilient water management, sustainable use of water resources, technology, financing and community participation.

The event is being organised from September 22 to 26 at Bharat Mandapam under the aegis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with central ministries, state governments, international organisations, research and academic institutions, industry bodies, development partners, civil society and the private sector. The Union Minister for Jal Shakti and other dignitaries will also be present on the occasion.

This year, the theme of India International Water Week is “Climate-Resilient Water Management”. The event will provide a platform for policymakers, global water-sector experts, researchers, water-management professionals, industry representatives, civil society organisations, startups and young people to engage in dialogue and share experiences.

The Netherlands and Germany will participate as partner countries, while 14 Indian states will take part as partner states. Six central ministries and departments have also been designated as partner ministries and departments. The arrangement is intended to promote cooperation between the Centre and the states and strengthen coordination across sectors for climate-resilient water management.

Discussions will be held across 10 major platforms, including ministerial plenary sessions, plenary sessions of global water leaders, country-specific forums, the Water Leaders Forum, the Water Professionals Forum, thematic forums, the Startup Forum, Youth Forum, Industry Forum and various side events.

Seven key sub-themes have been identified for discussion. These include inclusive and equitable water governance; cooperation for better utilisation of water resources; the role of technology and communities in water security; water and climate-related risks; innovative financing models and modernisation of water infrastructure; sustainable water-resource management; and water for people and the environment.

A four-day international exhibition will also be organised from September 22 to 25. It will showcase new technologies, products and solutions related to sustainable and climate-resilient water management.

During the same period, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation will organise the second International WASH Conference from September 22 to 24. The conference will focus on issues related to access to drinking water, sanitation infrastructure, sanitation behaviour and public health. Emphasis will be placed on affordable, sustainable and scalable solutions.

The objective of the event is to ensure that the discussions go beyond deliberations and translate into actionable recommendations, partnerships and solutions that can be adopted on a large scale. The programme will focus on bringing policy, finance, technology and community participation together to strengthen water security and climate resilience.

The concluding session will be held on September 25, followed by study visits on September 26. India International Water Week has evolved into an important platform for stakeholders from India and across the world to exchange experiences, showcase emerging technologies and strengthen cooperation in the water sector.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar