In a world increasingly marked by geopolitical conflicts, water scarcity and pollution, ‘leveraging water for peace’ is now more important than ever. 💧 Water can foster harmony, but it can also trigger conflicts, especially when nations are competing for access to it. Globally, more than 3 billion people rely on water that crosses national borders, yet only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water resources. 💦🌍
Cooperation on water issues initiates a positive chain reaction – promoting harmony, generating prosperity, and building resilience. On this World Water Day, we must unite for meaningful and sustainable discussions that focus on the human right to safe access to water and stewardship for future generations, despite our differences.
The World Bank recently reported that the water sector has not been systematically included in high-level circular economy strategy discussions that include capturing the full value of water. Embracing water resilience and inclusiveness should be integral to raising awareness of citizens and businesses alike on the importance of water. What if we do not undertake comprehensive risk assessments? What if we allow the current trends to continue? How do we monitor, report, and disclose our progress and impact? 🔄📊
We collectively need to emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change, population growth, and rising water demand through strategic, responsible, sustainable, and inclusive planning. Ignoring these challenges risks worsening water scarcity and conflict over remaining available resources. Integrating water management into circular economy strategies is crucial for sustainability, resilience, and stability.
Undoubtedly one of the larger stakeholders is water utilities which have high levels of water use inefficiencies, particularly leakage, which if managed correctly provides a “new” water source. These water utilities would benefit through our BALANCE and PIPELINE decision support systems through an intelligent, unique approach to maximising leak volume and consumption reduction, contributing to reducing stress on existing water resources.
The private sector also has its part to play. Institutions can implement circular water economies, contributing towards peace and collaboration, even if it seems insignificant. GWF AG plays an active role in promoting sustainable water management, particularly through its WATER STEWARDSHIP tool to provide companies with the means to monitor and manage their water resources for efficient use. 🌱🔄💧
Partner at Sidley Austin LLP
1moGo Pentair. Love that you can do business that is also good business. ♥️