AIWW conference: Showing leadership in finding solutions to address water and 9 billion people
The organizers of the next edition of the Amsterdam International Water Week conference have set themselves an ambitious goal and invite everybody to come to Amsterdam and show leadership on the issue of sustainable water use for 9 billion people by 2050.
“It means we have to change our policies, we have to look to reuse of water, we have to look to create a circular economy,” said Roelof Kruize, CEO of Waternet, the Amsterdam water utility, and a member of the managing board of Amsterdam International Water Week.
The 4th edition of the Amsterdam International Water Week (AIWW) will take place from 30 October till 3 November. AIWW’s main events are the international AIWW conference, the Aquatech trade fair on water technology and the Floodex trade fair on flood control.
CEO Roelof Kruize of Waternet, the Amsterdam water utility.
Crucial global issue
The title of the next edition of the Amsterdam International Water Week conference appears simple, but it captures the scale of the challenge around what is one of the crucial global issues: ‘Water… and 9 billion people’.
The use of the projected global population for 2050 underlines the need for new approaches.
Urban populations are set to swell further, so Kruize points to other types of action–making cities rainproof, and adapting to climate change. “This ‘9 billion people’ is very important for the topics we want to show and discuss at the AIWW,” he added.
Solve real cases
“We aim to form coalitions to help solve certain cases and certain themes” said Kruize. “That’s quite unique, I think,”.
The goal of AIWW is to provide visitors with answers to the questions they face in their working lives. Kruize will be looking for exactly this himself.
“As CEO of Waternet, I am hoping to get some new ideas on the questions I am busy with every day.” He encourages those working in water utilities, cities and industry to come in search of their own answers, and notes that there is already commitment for high-level participation from around the world. “The response we have had so far makes me very enthusiastic,” he said.
There's always something happening at AIWW, such as the drilling & tapping championships.
Other highlights:
● key note
Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb of Rotterdam will deliver the key note, explaining how his city takes the lead in the worldwide C40-network and pioneers on climate adaptation and urban water issues
● young water professionals
Young water professionals are preparing a dedicated programme including workshops, debates and a special hangout to exchange experiences and relax.
● drilling & tapping championship
The 12th Dutch open KNW drilling & tapping championship will be held on the show floor of Aquatech Amsterdam.
● Sarphati Sanitation Awards
The third hand out of the Sarphati Awards for lifetime achievement and for young entrepreneur.
● Floodex Europe
For the first time the European edition of Floodex is colocated with Aquatech Amsterdam and will show all trending innovations related to flood protection, mitigation, disaster recovery and surface water management.
● Booking exhibitors
The exhibition floor for Aquatech Amsterdam is already fully booked. Exhibitors can still book for the Floodex fair.
● Registration conference
Online registration is possible for the AIWW conference with an early bird reduction till 1 September. The first 100 students who register can attend the gala dinner on November 1st for only 25 euro (first come, first serve basis).
Read also on this website
● Youth ambassador Amsterdam International Water Week keen to attract more young water professionals, 2 March 2017|
● Sarphati Sanitation Awards 2017: First call for outstanding entrepreneurs on sanitation and public health, 19 February 2017
● AIWW conference: Open to dynamic participation on a circular and resilient water future, 2 February 2017
● Floodex Europe becomes third main attraction of Amsterdam International Water Week, 20 January 2017
● AIWW Aquatech: Look back on an impelling Amsterdam International Water Week, 12 November 2015
More information
Amsterdam International Water Week
www.internationalwaterweek.com
Aquatech Amsterdam
www.aquatechtrade.com/amsterdam
Floodex Europe
www.floodexworld.com