Scan Magazine | Businesss Feature | World Water Week
World Water Week’s new home from 2019 – Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
A venue for water As the problems concerning access to water increase, so too do the possibilities for solutions. World Water Week, convened by Swedish International Water Institute (SIWI), is encouraging the private sector to take on a larger role as the forum moves to the modern multi-purpose stadium, Tele2 Arena. Driven by experiences and perspectives from all over the world, the forum provides an opportunity for groundbreaking ideas and actions, focussed on one of today’s most difficult challenges. By Hanna Stjernström | Photos: World Water Week
Did you know that, according to the 2030 Water Resources Group, the demand for water is expected to exceed supply by around 40 per cent by 2030? Such a scenario would leave nothing and no one unaffected. The problem is further highlighted by the current water scarcity that leaves over two billion people living in countries with high water stress. “Access to fresh water is one of the world’s biggest challenges,” says Gabriela Suhoschi, director of World Water Week and Prizes at SIWI. The challenges with water and the effects of the changing climate have been particularly notable over the past few months. “Scandinavia has had the 48 | Issue 115 | August 2018
warmest summer in 260 years, with a lack of substantial rain since May,” Suhoschi notes. “And, although we are a water-rich region, this has led to a situation that we are not used to or prepared for.” The consequence, she stresses, is that we must change our relationship with water.
Water, ecosystems and human development However, there is hope. World Water Week is an annual forum dedicated to gathering experts, decision-makers and young professionals with the aim of developing solutions for water-related challenges. This year’s event marks the 28th in a row,
and will address water, ecosystems and human development, taking place 26–31 August in Stockholm, Sweden. SIWI built the foundation for World Water Week in 1991, with three water-themed and interlinked events: The Stockholm Water Festival, which celebrated water; the Stockholm Water Symposium, which focused on global water challenges; and the Stockholm Water Prize, which was awarded in recognition of exceptional achievement by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. With time, the festival and symposium have evolved into World Water Week, which has, in parallel with the increasing magnitude of water-related challenges, raised the voice of driven and passionate providers of solutions and innovations from all over the world. “We are creating a collaborative and inclusive learning experience,” says Suhoschi, highlighting that the main focus is on promoting