SIWI Reflections 2025: When scientific exchange turns dialogue into action

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

One of my most meaningful responsibilities during 2025 was supporting the Scientific Programme Committee (SPC) of World Water Week to ensure the success of SIWI Seminar Series. The series, which forms the scientific core of the conference, is made up of seven different Seminars. Each Seminar consists of three sessions, which explore the key topics linked to the theme of the year with leading experts from different fields.

The Seminar topics are defined by the SPC and each Seminar is led by two SPC members together with a Young SPC (YSPC) member under the age of 35, who join the committee in January of the conference year.

The Seminars are among the best-attended sessions at World Water Week, but they require a very large amount of preparation behind the scenes. This work involves close collaboration between SPC members, YSPCs, SIWI and co-convenor organizations. Together we define topics, develop session content and programmes, select speakers, and promote the Seminars, among many other tasks.

Watch the 2025 SIWI Seminars here

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

As mentioned, the Seminars entail significant work, but they are also very rewarding. These sessions bring together leading experts from different fields and countries to share knowledge and engage in discussions  that deepen understanding of some of the most pressing water-related issues. Importantly, the Seminars go further because they also inform actions that are taking place on the ground by sharing different experiences and lessons learned.

In our post event survey, 82 percent of respondents said they plan to implement something they learned in a Seminar and 86 percent felt that the Seminar Series helps keep momentum for water action going.

Additionally, the Seminars empower young professionals through the YSPC programme. Each year, eight to nine individuals under the age of 35join the SPC as full members and becomes part of a Seminar team. This opportunity allows them to get an inside look at all the details of organizing a Seminar, receive mentoring from more senior professionals, and continue developing different skills from team management to public speaking.

What are you excited to take forward into 2026?

For 2026, I am looking forward to working on the Seminar Series under the theme Water for People and Progress. I think this year’s theme is very relevant as focuses on issues like equity, inclusion and ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard and considered in water governance.

Some of the topics of the Seminar Series include gender equity, elevating Indigenous perspectives, water and sanitation in crisis and displacement, and mobilizing equitable finance. So I am looking forward to seeing how these topics develop into concrete sessions during World Water Week in August 2026.

Additionally, I am also looking forward to continuing working closely with the SPC and learning from their experience and knowledge. I am also eager to work with the 2026 YSPCs because it is a group of very smart, diligent and motivated young professionals from whom I learn a great deal.