New Delhi, Dec 7 : The Water Transversality Global Awards and Conclave, held on December 5th, 2024, in New Delhi, was not just another conference, but a powerful initiative aimed at tackling the complex interconnections between water, energy, environment, and health. Dr. Arvind Kumar, President of the India Water Foundation, emphasized this during the event’s inauguration. The conclave was officially opened by Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Highways and Transport, Government of India, alongside Dr. Kumar, Mikiko Tanaka, Director of the SSWA office of UN ESCAP, and Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Postmaster General of the Delhi Circle.
A special commemorative cover was also released by India Post, marking the significance of the event. Additionally, Dr. Kumar’s book My Friday Musings, a compilation of his Friday blog, was launched, and a report on SDG 6 by Dr. Kumar was presented, focusing on the progress of ten South and South West Asian countries for UN ESCAP. The Minister lauded Dr. Kumar for uniting 23 organizations for this impactful event.
The event was organized by the India Water Foundation with support from the Ministry of Power, Jal Shakti, and Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India, and the South and South West Asia Office of UN ESCAP. The inaugural plenary was addressed by Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, Amit Ghosh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of RIS, and Mikiko Tanaka.
The dignitaries raised concerns about environmental degradation and the depletion of water resources due to human activities, commending India Water Foundation for organizing the event at such a critical time. Ghosh discussed the challenges of inequity and inclusivity, Sharp highlighted the UN’s support for various sectors in India, Chaturvedi emphasized the need for integrated policies, and Tanaka reiterated UN ESCAP’s focus on regional cooperation.
Over two days, December 5th and 6th, side events were hosted by knowledge partners such as UNOPS, GIZ, IUCN, ISID, IHE Delft Institute of Water Education, as well as ICID, World Water Council, the Embassy of Israel, and the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP). Other collaborators included Gail India, Oil India, Anondita Medicare, Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL, WAPCOS Limited, and Dedicated Freight Corridor Limited.
A total of 18 sessions were held, covering a wide range of topics. Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Jal Shakti, was the chief guest at the Valedictory and Awards Ceremony, where over 60 Water Transversality Global Awards were presented. These awards recognized excellence in areas such as water use efficiency in the industrial sector, climate-resilient agricultural practices, rainwater harvesting, groundwater management, and water reuse and treatment.
Organizations like WAPCOS, DFCCIL, and GAIL India received Leadership Awards in water, energy, and environmental sectors. Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to prominent figures such as Loc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, Prof. Eddy Moors, Rector of IHE Delft Institute of Water Education, Satya Tripathi, Secretary General of GASP, and Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director of ISID, among others.
These awards are more than just accolades; they celebrate innovative solutions and the ingenuity of those who have addressed the complex relationships between water, technology, and environmental sustainability. The event’s success is a testament to the collective efforts of knowledge partners, speakers, presenters, and dignitaries. All involved are now tasked with carrying the momentum forward to the next edition of the Water Transversality Global Awards and Conclave.
