Voice of the Danube
Of course we were there: On 18th November, the EWA Brussels Conference "Water Resilience and Investment: Navigating Climate Challenges" was held.
IAWD Secretary General Katerina Schilling moderated a conference session, and Association Development Manager Elisabeta Poci - in her role as EWA Vice President - took the stage as a speaker.
In spite of the very compact one-day format, this event is a highlight in the water sector conference calendar, with high-level speakers and stakeholders exploring hot topics.
This year's edition focused on the recently released European Water Resilience Strategy. First presented by the European Commission in June this year, this document outlines strategic actions to address growing water challenges across the continent - from droughts and pollution to water efficiency and reuse. The water sector had long awaited this important policy momentum. Now the focus shifts to the resulting investment needs and practical solutions that are key to transforming resilience strategies into real-world impact.
In three main sessions, speakers from the EU institutions, finance, academia and representatives from the EWA member network explored how policy, innovation, and financing must align to drive effective climate action and water resilience.
Ms. Schilling moderated the Session on "Climate Emergency: Water & Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation", with speakers exploring the role of water systems in climate resilience, highlighting innovative approaches and investment pathways that support both environmental sustainability and societal preparedness. Ms. Poci participated in the Roundtable in a session focusing on the investment needs in the context of the Water Resilience Strategy.
Beyond the highly valuable presentations, the networking opportunities made attending truly worthwhile. We’re already looking forward to the 20th edition of the EWA Brussels Conference!
