Urban areas and major cities around the world are increasingly confronted with the pressures of rapid population growth, ageing and congested infrastructure, rising sea levels, and shifting weather patterns. Flood risks, water contamination, and water scarcity have already become critical threats in many regions.

Today’s water challenges call for cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The Dutch water sector invites you to team up to find the best solutions for our changing world.

Integrated approach

We also believe in an integrated approach. Simply because complex challenges require multi-disciplinary solutions. The Netherlands has several inspiring examples and initiatives that make high-density living areas more resilient. These international, national and local initiatives demonstrate that resilience can go hand-in-hand with improving quality of life and economic viability. 

These challenges are further intensified by climate change, making it more important than ever to pool knowledge, foster collaboration, and develop innovative solutions that help people, businesses, and governments adapt effectively.

Living on the frontline between land and water, the Dutch have long learned to adapt to a constantly changing environment. This experience has shaped a culture of resilience, innovation, and cooperation. The Netherlands believes in sharing expertise, building international partnerships, and applying an integrated approach that combines technology, governance, and community engagement to create sustainable, water-resilient cities for the future.

International cooperation

Urban deltas worldwide are facing similar challenges: population growth, flood risk, spatial planning, scarce natural resources. Governments, cities, people and businesses constantly need to adapt to become more resilient to climate change and water crises. While the solutions for each delta may be different, the preconditions for a sustainable urban delta approach are the same. A holistic approach and the inclusion of all stakeholders is necessary to make cities and urban areas more resilient. That is why the Netherlands works closely with other countries facing similar challenges to find integrated solutions that combine elements such as spatial planning & design, cultural heritage, economic viability, infrastructure, public and local commitment, and sustainability.

 

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Mayor Aboutaleb of Rotterdam presenting the 1000CAN programme
Mayor Aboutaleb of Rotterdam presented the 1000 Cities Adapt Now programme during the CAS Summit 2021 on behalf of many international partners to accelerate and scale climate adaptation in 1000 cities worldwide.