Focus on problem-solving as IVL participates in World Water Week

This week, global stakeholders from business, academia, civil society and UN agencies are gathering in Stockholm to discuss international water issues. Anna Söderholm, Deputy CEO of IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, hopes that IVL’s participation will help promote greater international, solutions-oriented collaboration.

“Water is our most important resource. However it does not play a particularly prominent role in discussions about climate change. At the conference I have noticed frustration that water issues such as drought and flooding are not higher on the agenda. I hope we can turn this frustration into solutions. This is why we at IVL are here. We already work with holistic solutions where policy, economics and technology interact, and we look forward to greater international cooperation – for example through our WASH Governance Group”, says Anna Söderholm, Deputy CEO of IVL.

World Water Week is an international conference focusing on global water challenges, organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). The conference has been held in Stockholm every summer for more than 30 years. This year’s theme is “Water for Climate Action”.

IVL is contributing to the conference with a stand staffed by experts, and with speakers. Rupali Deshmukh, Country Manager for IVL in India, spoke about Mumbai’s circular transition in a session on strategic water and climate work within planetary boundaries.

“IVL is helping to shape a sustainable future in Mumbai. The area around Mumbai is home to a very important ecosystem, but there is also a great deal of pollution. It is very positive that the local authorities are investing in, among other things, wastewater treatment. This will have a major impact on both people and the environment”, says Rupali Deshmukh.

In a session on Tuesday, Alejandro Jimenez, Head of the WASH Governance Group, will discuss WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) as a tool for strengthening resilience to climate change. Alejandro Jimenez is also serving on the jury of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP), a global competition for young people undertaking innovative projects related to water and sustainable development.

World Water Week runs from 24 to 28 August, with several sessions available for online participation.

For more information:
Anna Söderholm, anna.soderholm@ivl.se, phone +46 (0)10-7886576
Rupali Deshmukh, rupali.deshmukh@ivl.se, phone +46 (0)010-7886556