Nice to meet you: Ivan Pastor

“Water – it’s a door opener to international political collaborations.” Ivan Pastor, Partners for Water’s new intern, brings a fresh perspective on water management. Having studied European Studies at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and growing up with a father working in the water sector has given him a keen perspective on water’s political role. Nice to meet you Ivan!

“My father spent his entire career working on international water programmes. Having witnessed the impact of water projects through his eyes sparked my fascination with this vital resource,” Ivan explains. “Through this internship, I can combine my interest in water with my study expertise and learn more about water’s crucial role in international relations.”

The significance of water security

“Water is becoming increasingly critical,” notes Ivan. “Climate change causes droughts, even in the Netherlands and growing sectors like AI and other industries require significant water resources, making sustainable water management more crucial every day.” For Ivan, water’s universal relevance makes it a fascinating field. “Water touches everything – it’s connected to industry, nature, society and politics. That’s what makes it both pressing and incredibly interesting,” he reflects.

Ivan at Aquatech

At Partners for Water, Ivan plays a key role in preparing the Netherlands Pavilion, the vibrant hub for innovative Dutch technology at Aquatech 2025. “The Netherlands Pavilion at Aquatech represents a unique opportunity to showcase Dutch water expertise,” Ivan shares. “We’re collaborating with NWP, Water Alliance and many other Dutch water organisations to present the Netherlands as a global leader in water management and to inspire the international water sector with Dutch innovative technologies and approaches.”

Many delegations will be visiting the Netherlands Pavilion and various Partners for Water project partners of will give presentations. “My role is to coordinate the diverse schedule of presentations and delegations,” Ivan explains. Beyond the planning phase, he will be on-site to assist with welcoming visitors and delegates and supporting presentations. “I’m really excited to be part of this international event and help showcase what makes Dutch water expertise so unique.”

Bridging theory and practice

For Ivan, this internship represents an opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical experience. “While my studies focus on European politics and international relations, this internship allows me to understand how water serves as a diplomatic tool. I’ve learnt that the Dutch water sector often opens doors for international cooperation, starting with water but growing into broader partnerships.”

Understanding the ‘why’

“I’m not only learning about the political significance of water but also about the importance of understanding root causes through stakeholder engagement”, Ivan shares. “Grasping the ‘why’ behind existing problems is essential in developing relevant solutions. This requires asking the right questions to the right people – a practice I see continuously at Partners for Water.” Ivan continues, “This deep dive approach into the ‘why’ and engaging with all stakeholders is something I’ll definitely take with me in my future career in international relations.”

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