“Water Is the Blue Thread”: A Conversation with Maggie White on What’s Next for Global Water Governance

Having helped shape the High-Level Panel since its inception—whether as moderator, MC, or behind the scenes—Maggie White returns in 2025 to guide the conversation once again. More than a discussion, this flagship session is a moment for stocktaking and a launchpad for collective action. 

As the world accelerates toward COP30 in Brazil and the landmark UN 2026 Water Conference, water is finally commanding the global attention it deserves. One of the drivers of that shift is the annual High-Level Panel at World Water Week, convened by SIWI together with the Government of the Netherlands. 

Returning as moderator for the eighth year, SIWI’s Maggie White reflects on the journey—and on what lies ahead. 

“There’s been a beautiful full circle,” she says. “We started by trying to connect the dots between water and resilience. Now, the global conversation has caught up—resilience thinking is no longer on the sidelines. It’s becoming a core principle in how water must be managed, financed, and governed.” 

This year’s flagship session—Water’s Pathway in Global Processes—offers a unique opportunity to assess progress and accelerate integration across agendas. From climate negotiations and COP30 priorities to preparations for the UN 2026 Water Conference and the upcoming G20 Summit, as well as regional leadership via Africa’s Water Vision 2050 and the EU Water Resilience Strategy, the panel brings together decision-makers, Indigenous voices, and other change-makers to chart the way forward. 

Q: What makes this year’s High-Level Panel so pivotal? 

“It’s not just a panel—it’s a milestone. For eight years, we’ve built this space to link water to the climate and sustainable development agendas. This year, with World Water Week focused on Water for Climate Action, and COP30 and the UN 2026 Water Conference around the corner, the time to align and act is now.” 

Q: Are we finally seeing water and climate agendas converge? 

“Yes—and visibly so. Water is now woven through COP30’s activation groups—from resilience and urban infrastructure to food and forests. We’re seeing a paradigm shift: water is not just a sector, it’s a connector.” 

Q: What are you hoping to unlock with this year’s panel? 

“We’ve designed this panel as a springboard—pre-COP, pre-UN Water Conference. With voices from COP Presidencies, the UN Special Envoy on Water, and regions including Africa, MENA, and Europe, we’re mapping what’s been achieved and what must come next. It’s also about keeping commitments alive and ensuring water remains a priority.” 

Tune in to the High Level Panel on Water’s Pathway in Global Processes on-site in Stockholm, or online for FREE. See the line-up of top speakers and register.

Q: What’s holding back action on the ground? 

“Water is often treated as secondary, seen as serving other goals, rather than as foundational. But it is the foundation. We need to reframe water as central to food, energy, health, ecosystems, and equity. That requires better planning, stronger financing, and more inclusive governance.” 

Q: Inclusion is central this year. What does that mean in real terms? 

“Inclusion means more than invitations. It means engagement, recognition, and continuity. From Indigenous Peoples to young innovators, we need everyone in the room—and online—to co-create solutions and carry them forward.” 

Q: What gives you hope right now? 

“The partnerships. We’re seeing true multi-stakeholder collaboration—governments, cities, civil society, private sector, academics, Indigenous knowledge holders—all working together. These aren’t symbolic alliances; they’re practical partnerships delivering change.” 

“If World Water Week is our springboard,” Maggie reflects, “then this panel is the leap. It’s where we decide how far and how fast we’re willing to go—for water, for climate, and for our shared future.” 

At this year’s World Water Week, the High-Level Panel brings together leaders from COP Presidencies, the UN, and key regions to align water across climate, biodiversity, and development agendas.

Why it matters:
🔹 A springboard to COP30 & UN 2026 Water Conference
🔹 Highlights progress in water governance since UN 2023
🔹 Champions inclusive and integrated action

Don’t miss the session:
26 August, 09:00–10:30
Centre Stage, World Water Week
Online and on-site in Stockholm