Photo (from left to right): Guangbao Xia, General Manager, Sino-Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-tech Island Development Co., Ltd.; Jingning Sheng, Director, Administrative Committee of Jiangsu Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island Economic Development Zone; Kala Vairavamoorthy, IWA Executive Director; Ren Ren, Chairman & CEO, Dajiang Environement Corporation

International Water Association to establish second IWA global operations hub in Nanjing, China

Nanjing, China, 22 October 2018. Prof. Kala Vairavamoorthy, IWA Executive Director, has announced today that the International Water Association is establishing the second global operations hub in Eco Hi-Tech Island, Nanjing, China. The announcement took place at the signing ceremony between the Administrative Committee of Jiangsu Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island Economic Development Zone , Sino-Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-tech Island Development Co., Ltd., Dajiang Environment Corporation and the International Water Association.

The IWA’s membership works across the full water cycle and includes scientists and researchers, water utilities and large water using industries, non-profits, and technology providers. As a knowledge hub for the latest science, technology and best practice in the water sector at large, the IWA works to provide solutions to the water challenges the world is facing.

“Nanjing is a gift from nature, well-connected internationally, and a leader of water technology innovation in China, where the second IWA global operations hub can ensure further global impact in guaranteeing the sustainability of water resources”, says Prof. Vairavamoorthy.

Situated in the Yangtze River Delta region, Nanjingis the capital city of China’s eastern Jiangsu province. The city has a prominent position in Chinese history and culture as it served  as capital for six dynasties in ancient Chinese history. Even though covering only about 1% of the total surface of China, the Jiangsu Province contributes to more than 10% of the national GDP.

Being home to over 2,000 environment companies and 100 universities and research institutes, Nanjing boosts China’s economy and leads innovations in the water and other relevant industries. Besides its important position within the country, Nanjing’s academic and industry expertise, coupled with its rapidly growing water technology and innovation cluster, are clearly advantages for the location of a second IWA Global Operations hub.

As one of the world’s largest developing countries, China is acutely concerned about the enormous challenges in providing water security to a population of over 1 billion. The IWA Global Operations Hub in Nanjing aims to create a ripple effect to reach the 2030 sustainability agenda. It pools the experience and expertise from the IWA global membership and connects it with the Chinese water know-how and innovation.

The IWA 2^ndGlobal Operation Hub will provide curated intelligence on the future of the water sector to IWA members and partners, forecasting horizon scanning on disruptions that could have transformative impact, rigorous and systematic analysis of the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies and trends, as well as the opportunities for knowledge and technology transfer.

“The IWA intelligence unit will help our members stay up-to date on new market and technology developments and provide insights into how water innovations might disrupt the water sector”, says Dr. Tao Li, Director IWA Greater China Region. “It will also provide recommendations on how the sector should respond in terms of their internal optimization and business development strategies.”

Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with global operations in The Hague, The Netherlands, and offices located around the globe in Bangkok, Beijing, Dakar, and Nairobi, the expansion of IWA operations to Nanjing follows an ambitious commitment to expand the association’s support to water professionals in the Asian-Pacific region, home to nearly two-thirds of the global population.

“A new IWA Global Operations Hub based in Asia is a strategical step to reach water security and sustainability and to pragmatically realise the Sustainable Development Goals set for the future”, says Kala Vairavamoorthy, IWA Executive Director.

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About the IWA

The International Water Association is the largest international network of water professionals working towards a water-wise world, with members in more than 130 countries. Its work focuses on developing solutions for water and wastewater management. As a knowledge hub for the latest science, technology and best practice in the water sector at large, the IWA works to place water on the global political agenda and to influence best practice in regulation and policy making. The IWA is a global water institute that brings together water professionals to close the gap between sciences and practice to provide solutions to the water challenges the world is facing.

For further information please contact:

Marta Jimenez marta.jimenez@iwahq.org

Ulrike Kelm ulrike.kelm@iwahq.org

Rui Veras rui.veras@iwahq.org

Photo caption: Signing of the agreement between IWA and the Nanjing Government regarding the establishment of the second IWA Global Operations Hub in Nanjing, 22 October 2018.