German Water Partnership sets a thematic agenda

The Global Water Summit took place from 8th to 10th May. The internationally renowned event, attended by well over 800 delegates, offered German Water Partnership e.V. (GWP) and its members a chance to engage in global networking in the heart of Berlin and, for GWP Executive Director Boris Greifeneder, a good opportunity to introduce himself to new contacts. At the opening ceremony on the first day of the event, GWP Chairwoman Gunda Röstel and Prof. Dr. Christoph Donner, Chairman of the Board of Berliner Wasserbetriebe, addressed the international audience with both motivational and cautionary statements. The Chairwoman drew particular attention to the need for strong, global partnerships and the goal of sustainable management as a guiding principle in the water industry.

GWP also contributed to the event programme: together with Liviu Mantescu, CEO of Watergenics GmbH – the most recent GWP member – Boris Greifeneder hosted a roundtable about the use of real-time data on water quality for more efficient wastewater treatment. Based upon the results of the discussion, there is a clear interest in further exchange on real-time water analysis.

Exchange continues beyond the conference setting

The day before the conference, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 Utility Accelerator Workshop offered compelling technical insights. In addition to 25 operators from all over the world, who together supply 235 million people with water services, partner organisations such as GWP were invited as guests. The thematic emphasis was on non-revenue water and different approaches in the context of international cooperation. Discussions also focused on the model of operator partnership and financial support for urban operators within the framework of the Urban Water Catalyst Initiative (UWCI) initiated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The Global Water Summit also provided an occasion for personal exchange and exploration of further cooperation with Sylvain Usher, Executive Director of the African partner association African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA).

The Global Water Summit is an annual conference and one of the largest events in the international water industry, known for its industry-leading water strategy development programme and high calibre of participants.