Bridging Borders at World Water Week 2024

This year’s World Water Week took place in Stockholm between the 25th – 29th of August under the theme “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future”. WaterAid Australia’s Head of Strategy, Chelsea Huggett, hosted two sessions at the conference – the first covering Inclusive Water Management and the second covering Meaningful Engagement with Indigenous People. Chelsea’s participation at the conference advocated for universal access to clean water as a critical component of this year’s theme.  

Since 1991, Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) has organised World Water Week, a five-day conference focusing on water as a catalyst for global issues. The non-profit event is attended by decision-makers, business leaders, city planners, activists and researchers from all over the world. 

Each day of the conference features a selection of sessions, ranging anywhere from specialist scientific discussions to broad public policy debates. The conference is an outlet for positive change where people can learn about water’s role in the fight against climate change, poverty and biodiversity. 

Stockholm hosted World Water Week 2024 from the 25th to the 29th of August. Each year, SIWI sets a theme to align with the global agenda and provide structure for the event. In 2024, the theme was “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future”, speaking to the vital role water plays in creating a peaceful and sustainable environment. To achieve this vision, we must emphasise problem areas and address obstacles that hinder bridging borders.   

This year, Chelsea Huggett proudly represented WaterAid Australia by leading two sessions at the conference. Chelsea’s first session focused on promoting the inclusivity of water management and prioritising those in marginalised communities, particularly women and people with disability. It explored how collaborating with local communities leads to greater equality and the resolution of contextual barriers.

“Ensuring that gender equality, disability and social inclusion are embedded into global water discussions is essential. WaterAid as a leader in this space has a key role to play to bring evidence to global actors and influence them to do more inclusive practice.”, Chelsea explained. 

"People with disabilities and women leaders have an important role to play in global water efforts.  To reach everyone everywhere, diverse voices must be included in global water decision-making, discussions and investments".

Chelsea highlighted two key takeaways from her second session: the importance of valuing and appreciating Indigenous knowledge, and the need to create opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous women. The session highlighted how climate resilience cannot be achieved without a strong focus on inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which allows disadvantaged communities access to essential services while assisting them in adapting to the impacts of climate change. 

With the collaboration of hundreds of organisations, World Water Week is dedicated to educating people about how water is the key to shaping a better future for everyone, everywhere. 

Written by Georgia Di Paola