Looking Back, Moving Forward: Exciting Milestones and Changes for IWRA
Prof. Yuanyuan Li, IWRA President
As we approach the final quarter of 2024, the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) has much to celebrate and look forward to. This past month, we hosted the inaugural Islands Water Congress in the Faroe Islands, a groundbreaking event that brought together experts and island communities to tackle the unique challenges of water management on islands.
From sustainable water solutions to innovative policy discussions, the Congress was a tremendous success, leading to commitments from a number of island communities, including a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed by the Faroe Islands Government and the Prince Edward Island Government to establish the Tórshavn Dialogue on Sustainable Freshwater Management on Islands. The MoU aims to contribute to international processes, share best practices, and promote investment in projects and activities that advance this critical area.
We now look to the future and invite interested island communities to submit proposals to host the next Islands Water Congress in 2026. This is an incredible opportunity to build on the momentum generated and further strengthen global cooperation in addressing island-specific water challenges. More details about the call for hosts can be found here.
This month IWRA also had a strong presence at the 3rd Asia International Water Week in Beijing from 23-28 September 2024. Our Secretary General Eric Tardieu, Executive Director Callum Clench, and Deputy Executive Director Ignacio Deregibus joined me to speak in various sessions, promoting the work of IWRA, and continuing our engagement with key partners and stakeholders across Asia.
As always, IWRA members play a crucial role in guiding the Association’s future, and we are pleased to announce that voting for the next Executive Board (2025-2027) opened on the 1st of October, until the 31st October 2024. IWRA Silver and Gold members are encouraged to participate in selecting the leaders who will steer our work and ensure IWRA continues to advance the global water agenda. Please take a moment to review the candidates and cast your vote.
Finally, it is with gratitude and sadness that we announce the departure of Callum Clench, who will be leaving IWRA in mid-October after nearly nine years as Executive Director of the Association. Callum has been instrumental in shaping IWRA’s direction, expanding its membership, and building impactful partnerships. During his tenure, IWRA has grown in both influence and capacity, and on behalf of the IWRA community, we wish Callum all the best in his future endeavours.
As we continue our work to address the world’s most pressing water challenges, we are excited about the journey ahead. Thank you for being part of IWRA’s vibrant community.
