Summary of the Event

I participated in the fully digital edition of Stockholm World Water Week 2021, held from 23–27 August. The event brought together over 13,000 participants from 188 countries, with more than 400 sessions co‑created by leading global organisations.

The 2021 theme, “Building Resilience Faster,” focused on how the global water community can accelerate action to address climate change, water scarcity, poverty, biodiversity loss and other interconnected challenges.

Sessions covered scientific, technical, policy and community‑level perspectives, with contributions from researchers, utilities, NGOs, governments, development agencies and private‑sector innovators.

Key Themes Covered

• Climate resilience and adaptation
  The conference emphasised that climate‑induced disasters are increasing and that water is central to effective climate action.
• Water governance and global policy
  Discussions linked water to major UN processes, including food systems, energy transitions and COP26.
• Nature‑based solutions
  Highlighted as essential for resilience, including wetlands, forests and ecosystem restoration.
• Digital transformation and innovation
  Sessions explored data, modelling, remote sensing and digital tools for water management.
• Equity, inclusion and community resilience
  Covid‑19’s impact on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), gender equality and vulnerable communities was a major focus.
• Scientific seminars
  Nine core seminars explored resilience, food security, biodiversity, and transboundary water cooperation.