Article
5th September 2025
2 minute read
World Water Week 2025
This year, Just a Drop joined global leaders, researchers, and changemakers at World Water Week 2025 in Stockholm, united under the theme Water for Climate Action. The week brought together decision-makers, researchers, and organisations from around the world to explore how water can drive progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and support climate resilience. For us, it was a chance to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the global conversation – ensuring our work remains aligned with emerging priorities and opportunities.
From the opening ceremony, it was clear that water is no longer a peripheral issue. It is now central to climate, development, and governance. Mohamed C.B.C Diatta captured the urgency and hope of the moment: “Let’s make water not a victim of climate change, but a promise – an enduring legacy for future generations.” This sentiment echoed throughout the week, reinforcing the idea that without water resilience, there can be no climate resilience, no sustainable development, and no lasting peace.
Among the sessions we attended, one focused on integrating climate mitigation and adaptation planning. The key message was that the way forward is integration, investment and collaboration. Too often, global frameworks separate these efforts, weakening the potential for truly climate-resilient societies. Examples from Kenya, Brazil, and Nordic countries illustrated how joined-up strategies can unlock greater impact. For Just a Drop, this reinforced the importance of continuing to bridge the gap between mitigation and adaptation—especially through community-led approaches that empower local voices and solutions.
Another session explored the intersection of climate, gender, and water. It challenged the sector to move beyond infrastructure alone, warning that “if we only fund pipes and pumps, we risk building tomorrow’s failure with today’s money.” The discussion highlighted the economic and social benefits of inclusive WASH investments, and the need to embed gender equality and social inclusion into financing models and governance structures. We were particularly inspired by the call to elevate women in water committees – not just as secretaries, but as leaders, fund controllers, and maintenance experts. This aligns with our ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance and ensure that climate resilience is built with, not just for, communities.
We also heard about innovative financing models for rural water utilities an approach – combining community ownership, solar technology, and blended finance – offers valuable insights for scaling sustainable water access. The model’s emphasis on local entrepreneurship and rapid response systems resonated with our commitment to long-term, community-driven solutions.
World Water Week 2025 was a powerful reminder that water is not just part of the climate conversation – it is central to it. As we look ahead to COP30 and the UN 2026 Water Conference, Just a Drop remains committed to championing integrated, inclusive and innovative approaches to water and climate resilience. We’re proud to be part of a global movement that sees water not as a challenge, but as a solution.
