Programme

Programme

World Water Week programme consists of more than 200 sessions of different formats and covering a range of subjects. During the 90-minute convenor sessions, the most relevant topics on this year’s theme “Water, ecosystems and human development” will be discussed.

The programme for World Water Week 2018 will be released on 15 April, 2018. In the meantime, you can check World Water Week 2017 and/or submit a proposal for a session for World Water Week 2018.

Thematic Scope: Water, ecosystems and human development

In the third year of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the World Water Week 2018 focuses on the very basis of our existence: the ecosystems on which all life depends, and the critical role of water in their functions. We depend on healthy ecosystems as habitats for plant and animal life, and for services for human development and well-being. In our development efforts we invariably affect and change our environment, but we need to do so without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. The UN focuses on “nature-based solutions” as the theme for the 2018 World Water Day and World Water Development Report. In Stockholm we align the present 2018 Thematic Scope with this, and we go further to explore the wider water, ecosystems and human development agenda.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Climate Agreement, set ambitious targets for our future development. The present Thematic Scope focuses in particular on SDG 6, target 6: “by 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes”; SDG 15, target 1: ”by 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands”; and SDG 9.1 “develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all”. While each of the SDG targets have one or more indicators through which the performance in achieving the targets is monitored, the inter-dependence between them needs to be recognized and guide integrated development. Considering the 14th global Conference of the Parties to the Biodiversity Convention in late 2018 the bio-diversity dimension of ecosystem development and management will be given special attention.

Read more about the Thematic Scope here.

Plenary Sessions

The Opening Plenary

The Opening plenary is the official welcome of participants, aiming to inspire dynamic and fruitful conversations throughout the Week.

The theme of World Water Week 2018 is Water, Ecosystems and Human Development. The Opening plenary of 2018 will present this theme from inspirational as well as thoughtful angles.

Invited speakers will share their views on the critical role that water plays for the functioning of our ecosystems – the very basis of our existence. Their presentations will highlight the complexity of this years’ theme ranging from mountains, forests and lakes to infrastructure, economic development and human well-being.

The plenary will commence with official welcome addresses, keynotes by high-level decision makers, and as by tradition, the Stockholm Water Prize Laureate lecture.
Building a Resilient Future through Water

2018 will mark the third year of implementation of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and three years since the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement. The converging of these agendas has helped build momentum towards action, and generated opportunities for water to be an entry point to the efficient, effective implementation of both agendas.

This High Level World Water Week Dialogue will serve as a platform for multi stakeholder consultation on the progress on our global water goals. The event is the third in a series of annual, multi stakeholder stocktaking events on global water development and progress at World Water Week.

The overall intention of this session is to inspire World Water Week delegates to joint action.
Closing Plenary

The Closing plenary will summarize and conclude on the broad and multifaceted scope of the 2018 World Water Week.

It will also look ahead, to the join future of humans and nature as well as the upcoming World Water Week 2019.

During the Closing plenary we will listen to high level keynote speakers addressing challenges and opportunities within the fields of this years’ thematic scope, hear the Key Collaborating Partners discuss take home messages and take part as the rapporteur teams present their main findings.

Young Professionals Activities

Young Professionals’ Activities

True to its vision to empower young people the World Water Week 2018 will organize its sixth Young Professionals Day. This focus day aims at inspiring young professionals while providing a platform to make voices heard and networking happen. The many Young Professionals’ Activities include three different events with and for young professionals, a specially assigned networking area and, not the least, a mingle!

More information will come soon so keep your eyes open!

#WWWeek Young Professional Speaker Directory

Want to be a speaker, panelist or moderator during the Week? Sign up for our Speaker Directory!

More information here.

Young Professionals’ Day

Starting off the Week on Sunday August 26 we host the Young Professionals’ Day, a day dedicated to those who has just started their careers. It is all about inspiring, motivating and empowering young people. During this day we open the doors free of charge for enthusiasts between 16-35 years of age who will get free access to the Young Professionals activities during one entire day. This includes our fabulous seminars that you really don’t want to miss!

To attend for free, please register through the normal registration process and tick “Attend Young Professionals Day Only” on page 3 of the registration form.

Young Professionals’ Mingle

We will of course meet up for this popular mingle to end the day and to establish contacts for the upcoming Week. When and where? You will know soon!

Stay tuned for more information!

Contact

Ms. Cajsa Larsson
Email: cajsa.larsson@siwi.org

Social Events

During World Water Week there are a number of occasions to network with other participants outside the venue. Registration or tickets for social events can be purchased through registration to World Water Week.

Young Professionals’ Mingle

Are you under 35? Do you like to network? Start off the Week with a drink at the Young Professionals’ Mingle and take the opportunity to meet other young professionals in an informal setting!

Under the bridges

Every year during World Water Week, we offer the opportunity to see the beauty of Stockholm from the water. The boat journey travels under fifteen bridges and passes through two of the locks connecting the Baltic Sea with Lake Mälaren. This is a truly unique experience that captures the beauty of the islands of Stockholm.

City of Stockholm Cocktail Reception

To officially welcome everyone to World Water Week, the City of Stockholm hosts an opening reception for participants. Take this opportunity to mingle with colleagues and enjoy Stockholm’s beautiful City Hall.

Stockholm Junior Water Prize award ceremony

Each year, thousands of students from all over the globe enter national competitions in the hope of making it to the international final in Stockholm. All country finalists gather during this dinner and award ceremony where the winning project is announced and awarded by the patron of the prize H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria.

Stockholm Water Prize Ceremony and Royal Banquet

Each year, the Stockholm Water Prize is presented by patron H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden to the Laureate during the Royal Banquet in the Stockholm City Hall.

Mingle & Dance

The Mingle & Dance is an informal, relaxed, but important gathering for World Water Week participants. It is open for all registered participants and is arranged in the heart of Stockholm. Light dinner, entertainment, a dance floor, bar, and good atmosphere are provided.

Archive and Resources

Programme

Programme

Thematic Scope: Water, ecosystems and human development

Plenary Sessions

The Opening Plenary

Building a Resilient Future through Water

Closing Plenary

Young Professionals Activities

Young Professionals’ Activities

#WWWeek Young Professional Speaker Directory

Young Professionals’ Day

Young Professionals’ Mingle

Contact

Social Events

Young Professionals’ Mingle

Under the bridges

City of Stockholm Cocktail Reception

Stockholm Junior Water Prize award ceremony

Stockholm Water Prize Ceremony and Royal Banquet

Mingle & Dance

Archive and Resources

2016: Water for Sustainable Growth

2015: Water for Development

2014: Energy and Water

2013: Water Cooperation – Building Partnerships

2012: Water and Food Security

2011: Responding to Global Changes: Water in an Urbanising World

2010: Responding to Global Changes: The Water Quality Challenge – Prevention, Wise Use and Abatement

2009: Responding to Global Changes: Accessing Water for the Common Good with Special Focus on Transboundary Waters

2008: Progress and Prospects on Water: For a Clean and Healthy World with Special Focus on Sanitation

2007: Progress and Prospects on Water – Striving for Sustainability in a Changing World

2006: Beyond the River – Sharing Benefits and Responsibilities

2005: Drainage Basin Management – Hard and Soft Solutions in Regional Development

2004-1991: Syntheses, Proceedings and Abstracts from the World Water Week/Stockholm Water Symposium