Strategies and methodologies aimed at the sustainable management of water and water ecosystems need to go beyond technical and economic driven approaches. In the run-up to the UN Water Conference and during the NY Water Week we gathered several methodologies and insights that combine local stories with global narratives in a multi-scalar approach, enabling design-thinking and artistic interventions for the implementation of the Water Action Agenda. This high-level meeting aims to share our insights and gather support of policy makers and international organizations for the implementation of a series of action-based initiatives. Together, the participants will set aims and objectives for the year to come, and formalize the commitments for the Water Action Agenda.

Introduction

Rick Bell, Columbia University;
Eric Orsenna, President of Initiatives for the Future of Great Rivers (IAGF).

Round Table 

Bernadette Araba Adjei, Water Resources Commission, Ghana.
Miriam Haritz, Federal Ministry for the Environment Germany (tbc)
Laura de Vries, Dutch Youth Climate Movement and European Climate Pact Ambassador;
Lylian Coelho, WomeVai;
Eddy Moors, Delft Institute for Hydrological Education (tbc);
Jean-Francois Vereecke, Agence d’Urbanisme Flandre-Dunkerque (tbc);
Diana Morales Irato, Deltares and Valuing Water Initiative;
James Dalton, International Union for Conservation of Nature (tbc);
Eriberto Eulisse, Wamu-Net;
Nanco Dolman, Deltares;
Ruth Richardson, International Network of Liberal Women;
Li An Phoa, Drinkable Rivers Foundation.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

Eric Orsenna, President of Initiatives for the Future of Great Rivers (IAGF);
Carola Hein, UNESCO Chair Water, Ports and Historic Cities.