World Water Week 2025: strengthening water's role in global processes
“Water is both one of the greatest victims of climate change and a powerful tool to fight it,” says Christina Bergstrand, senior communications manager at the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). This year, SIWI’s annual conference returned to Stockholm for the 35th time to highlight water’s role in tackling climate challenges.
More than 2 billion people faced water stress in 2021— a crisis expected to intensify with climate change and population growth, according to the World Health Organization. Since water is the basis of life, it is crucial to include it in the conversation on climate change.
The theme of the 2025 World Water Week is Water for Climate Action. As Christina Bergstrand notes, the conference focuses on how better water management can both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help societies adapt to climate impacts.
For one week, the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre becomes a place where thousands of participants gather to work for change. “All people here are to network and dialogue about the issue,” says Alice Nassar Jaraiseh, the programme manager of the event.
Sessions held by professionals from all over the world “look at the full water cycle, from freshwater to oceans, and put equity and climate justice at the heart of the debate, ensuring vulnerable communities are not left behind.”
The 35th anniversary of World Water Week also reminds how successful this world leading conference has been. “From having been like a small conference mainly targeting academia, it has now become this vibrant hybrid,” says Alice Nassae Jaraiseh.
Not only the growth of the event is a noteworthy achievement but also the impact of this event over these years. As Christina Bergstrand concludes, World Water Week has influenced UN processes, advanced the conversation on issues like sanitation, ecosystems, and resilience, and acted as a springboard for international action.
World Water Week is also unique in that it actively involves young people in the conversation. The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is awarded to students who present their own solutions for tackling the climate crisis. “Seeing the innovation and commitment of these young people gives you hope for the future!” observes Alice Nassae Jaraiseh.
Just before the beginning of autumn Stockholm has once again become the place where water takes the spotlight — both as a challenge and as a solution for climate action.
