6th International Symposium on Knowledge and Capacity for the Water Sector: From capacity development to implementation science (Supported)
Despite great progress in extending water and sanitation services globally, our world is currently facing more, and more urgent, challenges around water security than ever before. We are still far from reaching the SDG 6 (and other water-related) goals on water supply and sanitation. The insecurity and risks associated with water scarcity, flooding, storm surges and sea-level rise are increasing. The combined forces of climate change and growing water demand propelled by economic growth could see the world tip from a predominantly water-abundant place, to one that is predominantly water-scarce by 2045.
At the same time as the urgency increases, new investments and policies must navigate deeper regulatory, financial and political complexity and
provide answers for a future that brings growing uncertainty.
The Delft Symposium on Knowledge and Capacity Development is the international forum for water
professionals and development practitioners, policy makers, managers and staff from government and
local-government agencies and utilities, financiers, water users, researchers, and capacity development
specialists to discuss the challenges, current realities and new opportunities for knowledge and
capacity development in the water sector. In this 6th Symposium, themes to be addressed are listed
below; submitters may propose complementary subjects within the scope of the Symposium’s focus.
Submitters are encouraged to include, as cross-cutting themes, aspects relating specifically to (1)
impact measurement and monitoring, and (2) adaptation to climate variability. ‘Capacity’ hereunder is
deemed to cover its rationale, frameworks, strategies, skills, tools and procedures.
Topics
- Unpacking and redefining the nature and goals of capacity development. How can implementation science help in developing capacity and strengthening state capability?
- Capacity for water agencies and the water sector as a whole to operate under conditions of risk, complexity and uncertainty. How do strengthened capabilities for effective governance systems in water management support institutional change processes?
- Capacity for negotiation and for managing risk and conflict in water services, river basins and international waters.
- Capacity for helping water organizations such as utilities, water boards, ministries, private operators and water users (NGOs, CSOs, and other community groups) to become better targeted, more resilient and more effective through deeper partnerships for the extension of water services, especially the ‘last-mile’ to reach the more vulnerable and poor communities.
- Capacity in the water and financial sectors to ensure sustained and sustainable financing.
- Capacity to accelerate knowledge-sharing and commitment among individuals and organizations, across civil society. How do we share our knowledge, and how can we raise more ownership and responsibility about water matters among our staff, our families, society, and current and future generations?
- Developing strategies and methods to enhance the quality, impact and effectiveness of education and training and to develop behavioral and leadership skills, and continual-learning attitudes among professionals and inside institutions.
- Capacity to optimize the use of new ‘big data’, ICT, Artificial Intelligence, internet-based communication, and other enabling e-based technologies to strengthen institutional and individual capacity.
Programme Committee
Name | Affiliation | Country |
---|---|---|
Eddy Moors |
IHE Delft | Netherlands |
Håkan Tropp |
OECD | France |
Wambui Gichuri |
African Development Bank | Côte D’ivoire |
Tom Panella |
Asian Development Bank | Philippines |
Michiel de Lijster |
Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management | Netherlands |
Asief Alli |
Rand Water | South Africa |
Maria Pascual Sanz |
UNHABITAT/GWOPA | Spain |
Jaap Kwadijk |
Deltares | Netherlands |
Damian Indij |
Cap-Net/UNDP | Argentina |
Youssef Filali-Meknassi |
UNESCO | France |
Kala Vairavamoorthy |
International Water Association | United Kingdom |