Why Water is a Catalyst for a Green Economy and How to Make the Transition

AMSTERDAM, October 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Water  plays a central part in the water, food and energy nexus and therefore in the urgently needed transition to a green economy. The International Water Week Amsterdam (IWW) is a stepping stone in this transition. 'Integrated Water Solutions for a green economy' is the central theme of the week. From 4-8 november 2013, 25000 international water professionals and decision makers will share insights, solutions and new approaches. The IWW Amsterdam offers a unique combination of events: The IWW conference, the Aquatech Exhibition, the Industry leaders forum, the Young Professionals Programme.

Is wastewater a goldmine? What role do satellites play in watermanagement? Will we fill up our cars at the water purification plant? Are bacteria the new revolution in water purification? How do megacities around the world see water challenges of the future? Are there other ways to finance complex water projects? How can we live safely in low lying coastal cities and balance the water-food-and energy nexus? The IWW Conference offers the answer to these questions in a two day programme with many inspiring workshops  and sessions.

The IWW Amsterdam Conference is kicked off by a number of high level key note speakers: HRH Prince El Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan, chair of the UNSGAB, Dutch Minister Schultz van Haegen for Water and Infrastructure, mr Ger Bergkamp, executive director of IWA, the International Water Assocation. Among the other key note speakers are the vice minister for infrastructure of Vietnam, the Governor of Jakarta, mr Gammeltoft of the European Commission, mr Wim Kuijken, delta commissioner of the Netherlands. Closing key note speaker is Ms. Eleanor Allen, Global Director Water, Arcadis, USA. High level delegations from forty countries will visit the International Water Week.

Aquatech
Conference delegates van combine their new insights with practical solutions.  The Aquatech Exhibition is the worlds' leading exhibition for water technology. 881 exhibitors show the latest innovations in water re-use, purification, management etc. The Aquatech Innovation Awards showcase the most promising new technologies. The nominations have just been announced. At the Industrial Leaders forum of the Aquatech, CEO's discuss future water challenges in industry and finance.

The Sarphati Sanitation Award
Doctor Sarphati was a well known doctor in 19^th century Amsterdam and a pioneer in water and sanitation. At the International Water Week Amsterdam, mayor Eberhard van der Laan will award the first Sarphati Sanitation award of 50.000 euro's  to honour the outstanding contribution of an individual or organization to the global sanitation and public health challenge through entrepreneurship. Doctor Sarphati himself will assist in the festive ceremony.

The young professionals programme

How to bridge the gap between young and old?  The Amsterdam International Water Week offers an extensive Young Water Professionals Programme, with a number of student challenges, workshops on capacity building, and the election of the new Young Water Ambassador (now Sarah Dickin).

Organization
The International Water Week is supported by AGT International, Evides, Hoogheemraadschap Delfland, Oasen, Vitens, Vewin, PWN technologies and the Dutch Government. Organizers are: the International Water Association (IWA), the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), IWC Conferences and Rai Amsterdam.

SOURCE Netherlands Water Partnership