Description:

After a 50-year hiatus, the UN Water Conference reconvened. World leaders, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered to address water management challenges and advance innovative solutions. The University of Oxford played a prominent role in the conference, concentrating its research and capacity-building efforts on formalising a professional water service delivery model utilising a results-based funding mechanism. During the conference in New York, we were fortunate to have the active participation of approximately 50 individuals, including university staff members, current students, and alumni from the University of Oxford's Water Science, Policy, and Management (WSPM) Program. Their valuable contributions to the conference were rooted in their diverse expertise in water management.

Essential takeaways from the conference encompassed the Water Insecurity Experience Scales, the significance of youth involvement, and the value of cooperation and knowledge exchange among experts and policymakers. Numerous side events throughout the conference shed light on crucial issues such as water security, climate change adaptation, and mental health resilience in relation to water insecurity. The conference culminated in adopting the Water Action Agenda, a comprehensive action plan featuring nearly 700 commitments aimed at providing safe and clean water for everyone. This agenda will underscore the critical role of innovation in water management to guarantee accessibility and affordability for all.

Join us for a reflective discussion session where we will delve deeper into the outcomes and results of the conference, focusing on the contributions of those who actively participated. This event aims to foster a learning environment where we can collectively explore and gain insights from the triumphs and challenges encountered during the event. We will encourage attendees to share your perspectives . Your active engagement will shape the conversation, and we look forward to your presence.

Zoom Link:

Meeting ID: 933 4851 9327

Passcode: 665288

Key points of discussion will include:

• What were the most effective strategies or initiatives discussed during the conference, and how can this knowledge be disseminated and applied in different contexts?

• What new opportunities or partnerships emerged from the conference, and how can we capitalise on them for future collaboration?

• What role did youth engagement play in the conference, and how can we further involve young people in the decision-making processes related to water management?

Event

Opening of the session and introduction

Panel Discussion and Q&A (40 minutes)

Through their first-hand experiences of active engagement in the conference, this panel aims to provide valuable insight into the opportunities, triumphs and frustrations of early career / young-professional engagement at the conference. We will also listen to the experienced professionals reflection.

Moderator: Prof Katrina Charles, University of Oxford

Early Career Panellists:

o Maria Mercedes Kuri (WSPM 2020-2021)

o Patrick Robichaud (current WSPM)

o Luisa Jarchow (current WSPM)

o William Wallock (current WSPM)

o Sophie Erfurth, University of Oxford

Experienced Panellists

o Robbert Moree, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water

o Rachael McDonnell, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

o Ingrid Timboe, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation

Q&A and Final Take-home messages

UN 2023 Water Conference - Successes, Disappointments, & a Glimmer of Hope