SIWI Reflections 2025: Shaping SIWI’s future through strategy, collaboration, and renewal

What was the most meaningful thing you or your team worked on in 2025?

Anna:

For me, one of the most meaningful parts of 2025 was ensuring the smooth implementation of SIWI’s ongoing research and development projects, while at the same time aligning them with SIWI’s new directions and strategy for 2026–2028. It meant balancing continuity with change — making sure existing work continued to deliver, while also preparing the ground for where SIWI is heading next.

James:

What I am most proud of in 2025 — and what gives me a lot of energy going into 2026 — was seeing the SIWI Board and colleagues working closely together to imagine and develop a new and distinctive offer to the water community. There was a real sense of shared ownership in adapting SIWI to a changing global and European development landscape, and in shaping how we show up as an organisation going forward.

Why did it matter — what difference did it make, or will it make?

Anna:

This work really matters for SIWI’s future. Being able to offer well-implemented, strategically aligned research and development projects is essential for remaining a relevant and attractive partner for organisations around the world. It strengthens trust with our partners and ensures that our work continues to respond to real needs, while contributing to SIWI’s longer-term strategic goals.

James:

By supporting and strengthening SIWI’s convening role, our offer is increasingly anchored in rigorously curated knowledge and research. This rigour, combined with inclusivity and respect in our convening platforms and co-creation processes, helps ensure that dialogue leads to substance. Over time, this approach helps reinforce SIWI’s reputation as a trusted partner for developing water solutions — both locally and globally.

What are you excited to take forward into 2026?

Anna:

Looking ahead, I am excited to build further on our new thematic areas, particularly Water in a Changing Climate and Hydrological Cycle and Shared Waters Cooperation. I am especially interested in deepening our work on green water governance, and in strengthening the links between this area and SIWI’s long-standing engagement in water diplomacy.

James:

What excites me most about 2026 is seeing the new way of working, designed during 2025, put into practice. It introduces new responsibilities and encourages many of us to step into new territory, while working more closely across themes. This creates space for collaboration on issues that are critically important for communities and the planet, and sets a strong foundation for SIWI’s work in the years ahead.