Announcement of opening keynote speaker and updated programme

With one month to go to its World Water Congress & Exhibition, the International Water Association has announced a leading scientist and researcher from the environmental community as the keynote speaker during the event’s opening ceremony on 11 September in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Professor Jason Box (right) will set the scene for the week’s discussions with a speech on rapid Arctic climate change and water issues around the world. Professor Box has studied the Greenland ice sheet as part of more than 20 expeditions in Greenland since 1994. Originally from the US, he is now a research professor with the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS).

Professor Box is contributing author to the past three Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, a leading member of the Arctic Council’s Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP), and a former Chair of the Cryosphere Focus Group of the American Geophysical Union.

The case of the Arctic highlights the water challenges ahead due to climate change. “The Arctic is now warming four times faster than the globe,” commented Professor Box.

IWA Executive Director Kala Vairavamoorthy added:

“IWA is looking forward to welcoming a diverse global audience to its flagship event in Copenhagen to discuss and shape progress on the many pressing issues we face on water.

“We are delighted that Jason Box will join us as someone who is ideally placed to provide insight into the crucial interconnections between ice, water and a changing climate. I am sure he will inspire and engage our delegates, especially the next generation of young water professionals seeking to contribute to a water-wise future.”

The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition will take place in Copenhagen between 11-15 September. The global water community will discuss diverse topics gathered under the theme of water for smart liveable cities. The final outline programme is now available. Please click here.

Registration is open for the event, which also includes a High-Level Summit, business forums, presentation of IWA Awards, and much more. Register now at https://worldwatercongress.org/register/