Session 1: Transforming water systems with science, technology and innovation

Background
Speakers

Background

This session will contribute to ongoing global discussions on STI and the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation, including preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, by highlighting how STI can accelerate progress toward sustainable water and sanitation systems. It will explore both global and local dimensions of water challenges, including governance, technological solutions, infrastructure innovation, and the role of cities as accelerators of water and sanitation solutions.

Panel 1: Advances in science, technology and innovation for sustainable water systems (SDG6)

This panel will examine the latest developments in science, technology and innovation (STI) with strong potential for accelerating progress in the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation (SDG 6), complementing themes of the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Guiding Questions

What emerging scientific insights and technological innovations hold the greatest potential to accelerate progress toward the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation, including in vulnerable communities?
How can transboundary and international water cooperation and economic frameworks better leverage science to support sustainable management?
What are the environmental, economic, social, and energy trade-offs associated with emerging water technologies such as desalination and artificial rainfall generation, and what are ways these are being addressed?
How can science and innovation help address growing water scarcity and climate risks, particularly in regions vulnerable to these pressures?

Panel 2: Water infrastructure, service delivery and urban innovation (SDGs 9 and 11)

This panel explores STI opportunities for water infrastructure and service delivery (SDG 9) and the role of cities as STI solution accelerators (SDG 11). It will consider solutions related to informal settlements, livelihoods, gender equality, climate resilience, data center demands, and digital and nature-based approaches.

Guiding Questions

How can science, data, and innovation improve planning and investment decisions for climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure?
Which water innovations - digital, nature-based, or modular - are already proven or near-scale, and what barriers still limit their wider deployment?
How can cities transform from water stress hotspots into practical platforms for testing and scaling innovative water solutions?
What policy, regulatory, and financing conditions are needed to de-risk investment and enable the safe and equitable adoption of innovative water technologies?

For more details, read the Session 1 Note.

Chaired by

 H.E. Mr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations

Innovator pitches

 Charcops wetlands (Ghana), presented by Ms. Theodora Sophia Taylor
 BioDrop (Peru), presented by Ms. Soleil Kamitto Nuñez Pumacallahui
 Smart Pod Water-Retaining Alginate Beads (South Africa, Malawi), presented by Mr. Kennedy Mulungu

Moderator (and introductory presentation)

 Ms. Joyeeta Gupta, Professor of Environment and Development, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam; and Professor on Sustainability, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, the Netherlands

Panel 1: Advances in science, technology and innovation for sustainable water systems (SDG6)

Panel:
 Ms. Catherine Ngila, Executive Director, African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education, Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Kenya
 Mr. Guo Huadong, Director-General, International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals, China
 Mr. Helmut Fluhrer, Founder and CEO, WeatherTec
 Mr. Drogovoz Pavel Anatolyevich, First Vice-rector, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Russian Federation

High-level respondents
 Mr. Charles Spillane, Chief Scientist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
 Mr. Miguel Doria, Coordinator, UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme

Interactive discussions: A time limit of 2 minutes will apply.

Panel 2: Water Infrastructure, Service Delivery and Urban Innovation (SDGs 9 and 11)

Panel
 Mr. Xavier Estico, Secretary of State for Science, Technology & Innovation, Vice President's Office, Seychelles
 Ms. Aree Moon, President, Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology; and Vice President, The Korean Academy of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea
 Mr. Madin Maseeh, President, Maldives Space Research Organisation, the Maldives
 Ms. Marie-Christine Therrien, Chair, International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) North America

High-level respondents
 Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini, Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
 Mr. Seng Chuan Tan, President, World Federation of Engineering Organizations

Interactive discussions: A time limit of 2 minutes will apply.

Closing and looking ahead

Science

Related Goals

Related

Background

Panel 1: Advances in science, technology and innovation for sustainable water systems (SDG6)

Panel 2: Water infrastructure, service delivery and urban innovation (SDGs 9 and 11)

For more details, read the Session 1 Note.

Chaired by

Innovator pitches

Moderator (and introductory presentation)

Panel 1: Advances in science, technology and innovation for sustainable water systems (SDG6)

Panel 2: Water Infrastructure, Service Delivery and Urban Innovation (SDGs 9 and 11)

Closing and looking ahead

Related Topics

Science