Stockholm World Water Week

This session aims to explore the opportunities for organisations to use the Water Footprint Assessment Method to build their water story to comply with frameworks such as the ESRS, the IFRS or the TNFD.

The new functionalities of the Water Footprint Assessment Tool will be displayed to provide you with an efficient tool and academic data. In a second time, we will introduce the compensation method and projects to give the key insights to start acting on your water footprint where it is the most impactful.

Organised by: Water Footprint Implementation

Speaker: Jaap Feil, Managing partner

The excessive growth of blue-green algae in Lough Neagh has posed significant threats to its ecosystem, biodiversity and water quality. During this session, we’ll demonstrate how our consortium is developing and implementing a combination of technologies, including an air screen, as an innovative approach to remediate aquatic ecosystems in large reservoirs.

Organised by: LG Sonic

Speaker: Lisa Brand, CTO at LG Sonic

A chance for current, new, and interested Source-to-Sea Platform partners to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities to work together.

Organised by: IUCN / Deltares (Maria Lindelien, James Dalton)

This special showcase presents the 16 shortlisted entries from the CitiesWithWater Photo Competition, a global call for striking images that capture how cities are confronting the three great water challenges of our time: Too Little, Too Much, and Too Dirty. These visual narratives, submitted by photographers from around the world, reveal the creativity, resilience, and determination of communities to secure a water-wise future.

Join us to experience these compelling perspectives, celebrate the finalists, and be inspired by how cities and citizens are reimagining their relationship with water.

Before the main Failing Forward? session on August 26 at 14:00, we invite you to a different kind of conversation. A conversation in a session that begins by acknowledging what often goes unsaid: failure is everywhere in water and climate projects, yet it is rarely named or unpacked.

Together, we will explore stories beyond successes, as well as feelings and questions that are often left out of project reports and conference panels. This is not about blame, but about humility and building connections for laying the groundwork for deeper storytelling, pitches, and fishbowl exchange in the main Failing Forward? session.

Join us not to perform, but to engage in open dialogue and reflection.

Organised by: Netherlands Enterprise Agency; a governmental agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands and Deltares

Speakers:

Dr. Shahnoor Hasan, Senior researcher/advisor on water governance, politics of development Department of resilience and planning, Deltares
Ir. Liliane Geerling RTD Programme Coördinator Partners for Water

In this interactive quiz session, we will challenge persistent hierarchies in the water sector – from men/women, Global North/Global South, scientific knowledge/community knowhow, social/technical/natural, to public/private divisions, and explore why overcoming such hierarchies is important to address pressing water issues, and how to work towards this.

Organised by: IHE Delft Institute for Water Education

Speakers:

• Jeltsje Kemerink, Coordinator Water and Development Partnership Programme, IHE Delft
• Denise Vanzie, Communication Advisor, IHE Delft

Association for Humanitarian Development (AHD) works to bring peace, unity, justice and harmony whilst uplifting poor rural communities towards sustainable development. During this session, we’ll demonstrate our innovative Nadi filter solution for safe drinking water. We’ve scaled this solution from 1 unit in 2006 to 365,000 filters across Pakistan and Africa by 2024, supporting UN SDG 6 by providing access to safe, clean drinking water. Through partnerships with NGOs, INGOs and private organisations, AHD empowers rural communities, targeting one million families in Pakistan to provide safe water access for 10 million people. Join us to discover how this solution currently helps 3.5 million people access safe drinking water across rural Pakistan and Africa.

Organised by: Association for Humanitarian Development

Speaker: Mr. Abdul Khurshid Bhatti, CEO AHD, innovator of AHD Nadi filter and heading AHD projects in Pakistan, Asia and Africa.

SDG 6 is alarmingly off-track, as highlighted in UN-Water’s recent status report, meaning all global efforts to improve water resource management must accelerate. The Global Acceleration Framework recognises Capacity Development as a main factor for achieving SDG 6 acceleration, whilst UNESCO’s IHP-IX Strategy identifies Water Education as a key priority area. This session explores how Education and Capacity Development impact SDG 6 achievement, showcasing the Global Water Education Network (GWEN) – a key “game changer” upscaling capacity development globally, particularly in developing countries. Launched during the UN 2023 Water Conference, GWEN is developing strategic partnerships and reaching out to international networks of water-related capacity development suppliers and recipients. High-level representatives from key partners will contribute to this session.

Organised by: IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, UNESCO, SIWI, Cap-Net

Join our interactive session on ending the build-neglect-rebuild (BNR) cycle. We’ll discuss key challenges and practical solutions to ensure capacity strengthening and long-term operation and maintenance of water infrastructure, including embankments, drainage canals and treatment plants. You’ll get to see case studies that we’re both successful and failures, and we’ll conclude with a call for action.

Organised by: Unie van Waterschappen together with WaterWorX, Blue Deal, ADB, and RVO/Partners for Water

Speakers:

• Liesbeth Wilschut (Unie van Waterschappen)
• Liliane Geerling (Partners for Water)
• Anke Verheij (WaterWorX)

Over 300 million people in rural sub-Saharan Africa lack basic water service due to high infrastructure costs. Self-supply can increase basic water supply by stimulating families to co-invest in Household Water Systems (HWS) using Smart, Market-based, Affordable and Repairable technologies (SMARTechs). Examples include manual drilled wells ($200), locally produced hand pumps, solar pumps, rainwater harvesting and household filters. These technologies provide basic water service in areas with >200mm annual rainfall at $25/person average investment – often 50% less than conventional communal supply models. During this session, we’ll share experiences demonstrating how this sustainable approach reduces rural water supply costs whilst improving pump functionality and impacting multiple SDGs including poverty, food security, gender equality and climate action.

Organised by: MetaMeta Research B.V.

Speakers:

Henk Holtslag (SMART Centre Group)
Reinier Veldman (MetaMeta – SMART Centre Group)

Felixx applies innovative Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to water-related challenges globally, enhancing resilience whilst promoting ecological, social and economic development. In Shenzhen, China, Felixx developed the Triple-Dike Strategy for Dapeng Peninsula, combining flood protection, ecological restoration and recreation along 18km of coastline. In Cartagena, Colombia, Felixx participated in the Water as Leverage programme, exploring seven design roots – nature, water, resilience, governance, mobility, economy and finance – and creating inclusive, community-driven solutions for flooding and water polution challenges. In Nakuru, Kenya, the Nature-Based Sponge System shifts from drainage to water retention, restoring natural cycles and supporting climate-resilient growth. Through these projects, we’ll demonstrate how NBS creates scalable, adaptive management models, transforming challenges into sustainable opportunities.

Organised by: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners

Speakers:

• Deborah Lambert, founding partner, landscape architect
• Eduardo Marin Salinas, associate partner, NbS expert

The African Union estimates it will take $250 billion to reach SDG6.1 in Africa. That’s a dream worth pursuing — but it will take decades. In the meantime, many children die from preventable waterborne diseases. An intermediate solution is — household water filters. A growing body of evidence shows that filters are an effective and market based solution for safe drinking water. (Collins Sobsey 2025).

With $4 billion so less than 2% of the budget needed for full infrastructure, every African — including the poorest — could have safe drinking water. Filters do NOT replace delivery, but consistent use of filters can make water that people drink, safe.

The “2with8” commitment, launched at the UN Water Conference, shows the path: Safe water for all people in Africa is possible with $4 billion if it is invested in

1. awareness campaigns
2. supply chain development
3. targeted subsidies for the poorest

This presentation will share experiences on how Water utilities and NGOs apply this model.

Speaker:

• Henk Holtslag. Senior advisor of the MetaMeta SMART Centre Group

In flood-prone regions, standard sanitation systems fail, forcing communities into a “build-neglect-repair” (BNR) cycle that perpetuates health risks. This session spotlights successful Flood Resilient Toilet (FRT) technology piloted in India and Bangladesh through WASTE’s FINISH Mondial programme. By elevating toilet pits, sealing chambers with porous growth media, and enabling natural treatment when waterlogged, these units remained functional during major floods without contamination. The enabling environment proved equally critical – microfinance partners in India provided post-flood loans ensuring households could repair WASH hardware, preventing service gaps. You’ll hear firsthand from local partners, financiers and innovators who developed this technology as they share lessons and explore policy levers and collaborative pathways. Expect to leave with an understanding that climate-resilient WASH requires integrated hardware designs and responsive institutional support.

Organised by: WASTE NL and FINISH Mondial Foundation

Only Planet is a hopeful, action-driven climate guide for the 21st century. In times of ecological crisis, author Tim van Hattum invites readers on a journey along seven natural routes to a better, greener future. Drawing from personal experiences, global examples and scientific insights, the book moves beyond climate doom scenarios to focus on concrete, inspiring solutions. Van Hattum shows how working with nature – through ecosystem restoration, sustainable food systems, clean energy, water-smart cities, circular economies and human well-being – can lead to a resilient, thriving planet. The book culminates in a bold vision of the Netherlands in 2120 as a model nature-positive society. Only Planet demonstrates that knowledge, tools and momentum for positive change are within reach if we dare to act.

Organised by: Wageningen Universiteit & Research, Tim van Hattum

The Swimmable Cities alliance is emerging and growing through the collective efforts of experts in urban swimming environment design, public mediation, community building, policy, safety, public health, waterway restoration and water quality.

Join the city swim in Stockholm on August 27! 

EcoShape is a unique organisation that works in the pre-competitive domain. Knowledge institutes, NGO’s, consultancy firms and large dredging companies work together to Create the Enabling Environment for Nature-based Solutions. Their design approach was developed over the past 17 years and shows that it is possible to develop, design and implement Nature-based Solutions. Present focus is on creating the enabling environment through knowledge and project development on 6 specific enablers for NBS. During this session we will share knowledge on the design approach, show examples on proven cases and discuss the enablers together with the audience.

Organised by: EcoShape

Speaker: Petra Dankers, EcoShape management team

Aqua Solar Aria proudly presents WASA Verde, a breakthrough innovation in sustainable agriculture. WASA Verde is a fully self-sustaining water recycling greenhouse that cuts agricultural water consumption by at least 80% – using just one-fifth of conventional water volumes. What sets WASA Verde apart is its dual sustainability approach: a closed-loop water system that recycles and purifies water onsite, and transparent solar cells that generate clean energy whilst allowing optimal light for crop growth. This fusion of circular water use and renewable power makes WASA Verde viable for arid regions, urban farming and climate-resilient food systems, addressing water scarcity, energy efficiency and food security through one solution. Follow our journey as we showcase WASA Verde during this session.

Organised by: Aqua Solar Aria B. V.

Speakers:

• Elham Kashani – CEO of Aqua Solar Aria
• Taher Norouzi – CFO of Aqua Solar Aria

While Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are gaining popularity, we often get stuck in the idea development and discussion phase. Despite positive attitudes towards NBS, there’s also significant resistance – they’re seen as too expensive, unpredictable or challenging. Let’s shift this narrative with a positive approach. We’ll explore six themes: urban development, flood mitigation, coastal protection, flood-based agriculture and land reclamation. For each theme, we’ll discuss opportunities and showcase real examples proving that NBS work, can be replicated and deliver long-term sustainability and resilience

Organised by: Haskoning

Speaker: Petra Dankers, Leading professional Nature-based Solutions, Haskoning

Water quality monitoring is crucial for maintaining the safety and health of both human and aquatic life. Therefore, it is essential to have accurate and efficient methods to monitor water quality in real-time. In this session, we will be highlighting three advanced technologies that can improve your water quality monitoring capabilities: phosphate monitoring, vertical profiling, and AI prediction models. These technologies offer faster, more accurate, and cost-effective methods to detect and predict changes in water quality. Join us as we explore the benefits of these technologies and how they can help you maintain clean and safe water sources.

Organised by: LG Sonic

Speaker: Lisa Brand, CTO at LG Sonic

Farmers in Senegal face challenges investing in irrigation due to limited finance access and information. Farmers cannot make upfront investments whilst financial institutions consider irrigation risky and lack assessment tools. Government subsidies and climate funds exist but remain inaccessible to smallholder farmers. During this session, we will present Practica’s technical support for the Sahel Irrigation Initiative, demonstrating how digital tools and training address knowledge gaps and improve decision-making. The developed tools – IRRIS for irrigation design and CALAO for financial risk assessment –enabled a simplified process that built trust between farmers and banks, unlocking resources from subsidies, loans and farmer contributions.

Organised by: Practica

Speaker: Berry van den Pol, Managing Director, Practica

How can businesses create value across the food value chain whilst enhancing water security and biodiversity, with finance as a key enabler? We’ll demonstrate examples from Kenya’s agroforestry and Chile’s WRAP-linked Water Roadmap initiative, identifying strategies to scale sustainable water-biodiversity-food solutions in agriculture. After this session, you’ll understand how the WBF-nexus contributes to climate adaptation and mitigation by linking three critical elements – water management, ecosystem health and food production – in ways that build resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Organised by: Netherlands Enterprise Agency; a governmental agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Foodsecurity and Nature, ADB

Speaker: Liliane Geerling, programme coordinator Partners for Water

Malnutrition rates in developing countries remain high. While the majority of the population is small-scale farmers, most rely on rain-fed mono-cropping, hence their investment capacity is limited. The abundance of agro-workforce offers great potential to increase food security. However, financial capacity of small-scale farmers is limited, and fields are often too remote to leave equipment overnight. During this session, we’ll demonstrate that portable solar pumps help farmers double food production, increase crop diversity, and provide domestic water access right at the doorstep.

Organised by: MetaMeta Research B.V.

Speakers:

• Reinier Veldman or  (MetaMeta – SMART Centre Group)
• Henk Holtslag (MetaMeta – SMART Centre Group)

KIFFWA provides early-stage, risk-tolerant, and catalytic capital to innovation-driven water-climate initiatives in Kenya. Alongside funding, KIFFWA co-develops projects by offering technical, financial, and legal expertise.

Organisation/Speaker: Kenya Innovative Finance Facility for Water (KIFFWA)

Laundry is often an overlooked aspect of daily life, especially in developing countries. A laundry transformation could significantly improve people’s lives and health by ensuring clean clothes for hygiene and dignity. Can we create a positive impact on our environment, water quality and availability, health outcomes, and economic opportunities?

Laundry is one of the most time-consuming and water-intensive household tasks, disproportionately affecting women in underserved regions. With 50% of the world’s laundry done by hand, it requires extensive labor and exposes people to unsafe water and harsh chemicals. Climate change has exacerbated water stress, impacting access to water for basic chores. The Laundry Transformation Initiative aims to revolutionize laundry practices. This initiative enhances water quality, achieves significant energy and water savings, and promotes economic opportunities, health outcomes, and social empowerment.
Why haven’t laundry practices changed in the last century? What is needed to transform laundry practices? How can we achieve a broader impact? Who should be involved? Participants are introduced to the bigger picture of laundry, study results on demands and options, discuss the questions, and collaboratively develop a way forward. Through strategic partnerships with the private sector and foundations, Laundry Transformation can foster innovations in water-saving technologies, eco-friendly detergents, and textiles.

Speakers:

• Tanya Huizer – Sr. Water Resilience Specialist, Asian Development Bank
• Salma Enan – MetaMeta Research B.V.

An African Water Entrepreneur’s pitch

Join us for a fast-paced 30-minute live talk show where impact meets profitability. Bernard Verburg sits down with Kennedy Omwaka to explore how African water entrepreneurs are turning urgent water challenges into viable, thriving businesses.

Kennedy will present a compelling business case, share the story behind his work in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, and explain how he creates both economic and social impact in underserved areas.

You take the role of investor: each participant receives tokens to “invest” in the part of the entrepreneur’s approach they believe will create the greatest impact. Through this interactive format, you’ll gain first-hand insight into what it takes to innovate, scale, and lead in challenging markets—and how African and Dutch entrepreneurship can reinforce each other.

Organised by: Amref Health Africa Netherlands

Speakers:

• Bernard Verburg
• Kennedy Omwaka

A portrait of franchisee Philip Salaton, 38 at the Kumpa Water project in Kajiado.

During this session, we’ll explore landscape-based solutions that integrate ancestral knowledge and ecological practices to enhance biocultural diversity and water security. Through real-world case studies from around the globe, you’ll gain insights into how traditional land and water management practices could contribute to contemporary biodiversity and water conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. By highlighting the role of ancestral knowledge in landscape stewardship, the session aims to inspire new partnerships and policies that support biocultural diversity in water resource management.

Organised by: TU Delft and Fundación Herencia Ambiental Caribe

Speakers:

• Cristal Ange director of Fundación Herencia Ambiental Caribe
• Dr. Ir. Nico Tillie Urban Ecology Design Lab & Eco-campus Section of Landscape Architecture Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft

WASTE NL MoU signing with The Pan-African Association of Sanitation Actors (PASA) and African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA)

Based on practical experience developing a Watershed Governance Structure in Nepal’s Rangoon watershed, this dialogue explores complementarity between governing by administrative versus landscape boundaries. What roles do local administrative and watershed governing structures play in water governance ecosystems and climate adaptation? Where do they overlap, complement or clash? Mr. Anjil Adhikari (Oxfam Nepal) will elaborate on applying the Peoples Landscape Approach in Rangoon Watershed, leading to multi-actor governance structures. Ms. Katie Minderhoud (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency) will reflect on this case and underlying landscape principles. You’ll then hear from stakeholders supporting watershed governance – donor institutions, expert programmes and water authorities – sharing experiences, lessons and recommendations.

Organised by: OXFAM NOVIB

Join us for an inspiring session on creating holistic, integrated AI-driven defence systems to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts on global water and food systems. At the forefront of climate innovation, we’re developing comprehensive solutions that tackle these escalating challenges. This gathering brings together thought leaders, innovators and practitioners to explore how artificial intelligence, systems thinking and cross-sector collaboration drive transformative solutions. From predictive modelling to adaptive infrastructure, you’ll explore actionable strategies that strengthen resilience and ensure sustainability for future generations.

Organised by: Royal Eijkelkamp, Water Works

Speakers:

• Rasoul D. Mikkelsen, Director for strategic Business, Royal Eijkelkamp
• Gert-Jan Maasdam, Business Director Water Works

During this session, we’ll launch the latest edition of the Transboundary Aquifers (TBA) of the World map. This global map illustrates aquifer boundaries spanning multiple countries, making management an international cooperation matter. This 15-year ongoing effort by IGRAC, UNESCO and the International Association of Hydrogeologists has become a reference work for scientists and decision-makers, representing comprehensive TBA assessment incorporating recent findings. However, mapping remains challenging due to data limitations. This new edition integrates recent TBA studies: 38 boundaries revised, 44 new TBAs identified, and 92 removed – either lacking groundwater flow or replaced by newly identified TBAs. The total now stands at 420 TBAs. Additionally, the map includes basic descriptive information for each TBA where available.

Organised by: IGRAC and UNESCO