2014 Overarching Conclusions

During the week, we welcomed over 3,000 participants from more than 140 countries. With increased income levels in many countries, a growing world population, and intensified competition for our finite water resources, it has become ever more urgent to understand the links between energy and water so that we can fully develop synergies, strengthen much needed partnerships, and develop smarter solutions for using water more efficiently in the future. The results of our work will have consequences for all humanity.

During the Week four teams, each consisting of two lead and five junior rapporteurs, covered all workshops and seminars, over 100 in all, and in these pages you will read about the messages and recommendations that were distilled from the presentations and discussions. The reporting from the week has been divided into four themes: Equitably Balancing Competing Demands; Managing Energy and Waters across Borders; Integrating Water and Energy Policy; and Responding to Global Change. The rapporteurs’ findings are preceded by SIWI’s own conclusions.

Exploring this year’s theme of energy and water has equipped us very well for next year, when we will focus on water for development. Access to modern energy and clean water is fundamental for human development, and we hope that new insights and collaborations will prove useful when we move into 2015. It is a year of tremendously important decisions – on a new development agenda as well as on climate – that will steer our global future.