Presenting integrated solutions for a changing world

From 29 October to 4 November, Amsterdam will be the host city for the premier edition of International Water Week in the Netherlands.

International Water Week Amsterdam (IWW Amsterdam) highlights integrated solutions covering the entire water cycle. The event includes an exhibition, conferences and excursions to sites where solutions are already at work. The internationally renowned trade exhibition Aquatech Amsterdam and the world forum on deltas and coasts, Aquaterra, are part of IWW Amsterdam. IWW Amsterdam aims to promote the integration of knowledge about innovative solutions as regards improvements to technology, quality and water management. The businesses, non-profit organisations, government agencies and scientists taking part in this event will actively share practical solutions to global water issues.

Unique partnership

IWW Amsterdam is the fruit of the special alliance between Amsterdam RAI, the International Water Association (IWA), the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), the Royal Dutch Water Network (KNW) and Waternet.

Unique location

The Netherlands’ and especially Amsterdam’s ties to water are inextricable. It was during the Golden Age that Amsterdam developed into the most prosperous city in Europe on the heels of thriving transoceanic trade. The Dutch have also had to battle against – and ultimately prevailed over – water. With this rich tradition of working together to live with water, Amsterdam has developed into a bustling commercial centre, tourist destination and cultural stronghold.

Unique audience

The International Water Week aims to present integrated solutions for a changing world. Major water issues require international solutions, which is why international politicians and decision makers are invited to International Water Week. The combination of high level delegates, scientists, specialists and industry representatives provides a unique setting where integrated solutions at every level are created.

WATERNET AND THE ROYAL DUTCH WATER NETWORK WILL STAGE THE FOLLOWING CONFERENCES DURING THE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK:

1. Water Cities in Transition
Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, 31 October – 1 November

This conference will serve as a forum linking urban planners and water managers and focus on the latest developments in water city transitions: coping with climate change-related challenges, linking them with socio economic issues and inspiring integrated solutions in urban design and practice.

2. Water and Innovation: Water Technology
RAI Amsterdam, 3 – 4 November

The aim of this conference is to identify innovations in water technology that contribute to the entire water cycle and that result in improved system economy and performance, more sustainable systems and a clear focus on the customer. International Water Week shares this same focus: integrated solutions!

3. International Benchmarking
RAI Amsterdam, 3 – 4 November

If the focus of a large number of benchmarking activities is to learn to achieve and improve on organizational efficiency and effectiveness, how do we rise to this challenge? While the goal is evident, the task of achieving it is often less obvious. IWW 2011 Amsterdam offers a unique moment in an international forum to share knowledge on this subject.

4. Water related to Sustainable Energy
West Indisch House, 1 – 2 November 2011

Integrated combinations in the field of water and energy are necessary to find solutions to the challenges we face: climate change, ageing infrastructure, urbanisation, resource shortages, etc. During the conference, total solutions and business concepts for cities, industrial areas and rural areas will be presented and discussed.

5. Water operators partnerships
Tropenmuseum , 3 November 2011

This conference offers us the opportunity to reflect on experiences with WOPs. The most important question is how can we improve our WOPs and increase their effectiveness even further.

6. Young Water Proffesional Programme
RAI Amsterdam / Waternet, 2 November

Young people are the link between the present and the future. To meet the global water challenges, the water sector needs a new generation able to take a fresh perspective and have a mindset that is daring, unconventional and what can best be described as “out of the box”. The water sector is a growth sector. There is more than enough room for young professionals, and the sector offers ample opportunities for growth and development. The focus is on students and young professionals under the age of 35, and the IWW Amsterdam will be a platform, highlighting the challenges the water sector faces, available opportunities and how they can be involved.