Programme Theme: Harnessing Data and AI to Address and Solve Global Water Challenges

*Agenda: available here

*Photos: available here

*Presentation slides: available here

*Report: available here

The IWA Emerging Water Leaders Forum is an event which sets an open platform for young water professionals to connect with their peers from around the world. The Forum is a place to share professional experiences and highlight the critical responsibility of Young Water Professionals (YWPs) working on solutions for the future of water.

In an evolving landscape of water management and governance, unprecedented challenges are arising due to climate change, population growth, escalating resource demands, poverty, sanitation, and economic factors. These challenges require solutions that not only achieve sustainable water practices, but also enhance the optimisation, estimation, and management efficiency of water-related processes. The advancement of digital tools can serve as the cornerstone of innovation and development aimed at shaping our water future. By harnessing the capabilities of AI, water utilities and organisations can make data-driven decisions, streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure sustainable management of this precious resource in the face of growing demand and environmental changes. At the same time, concerns about misinterpretation or misuse of data, ethical issues, and the digital divide pose significant hurdles and important issues to consider.

To tackle the complexities linked with digital tools (e.g., robust data management, cybersecurity, workforce development, financial considerations, etc.) the 6th Emerging Water Leaders Forum (EWL Forum) will emphasise the pivotal contributions of both young and seasoned professionals in this digital era. These discussions will centre on how to effectively integrate AI and digital solutions into traditional water management practices to meet present and future water challenges, and how Young Water Professionals (YWPs) can play a major role in this process. In addition, the Forum will create an open platform for YWPs to connect globally and share professional experiences.

The theme of the 6th Emerging Water Leaders Forum is Harnessing Data and AI to Address and Solve Global Water Challenges.

The Forum’s theme and objectives are centred around creating an open platform for YWPs to connect globally, share professional experiences, and discuss the critical responsibility of addressing future water challenges by gathering insights and expertise on how to integrate AI into traditional water management.

Expected Outcomes:

• Enhanced Knowledge: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the water sector, particularly in the context of AI and data.
• Skill Development: Young professionals will acquire practical skills and tools essential for addressing water-related issues.
• Networking: Participants can build meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.
• Increased Engagement: The event aims to inspire young water professionals to actively engage in efforts to ensure a sustainable and resilient water-wise future.

Key Themes of the Forum

• Leadership Development: Young Water Professionals demonstrating leadership by driving collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advocating for safe water practices. Empowering young professionals to take ownership and responsibility for water-related issues by leveraging AI and data.
• Sustainability and Resilience: Developing and implementing innovative, climate-resilient solutions to ensure equitable access to water for all communities, while avoiding AI and data biases.
• Innovation in Water Technologies: Exploring cutting-edge technologies and solutions in water management (e.g. AI, IoT, blockchain, etc.), as well as skill gaps and career opportunities for young professionals in AI.

The forum is open to all YWPs registered and attending the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Toronto, Canada, 11-15 August 2024. More information will be added soon regarding the programme, activities and opportunities to engage in the Forum.

To request more information about the Forum and its technical content, don’t hesitate to contact Isabela Espindola, IWA’s Membership Engagement Senior Officer, responsible for IWA’s Young Water Professionals community at isabela.espindola@iwahq.org.