By Amjad Jamal
Pakistan Water Week 2024 got underway in Islamabad bringing together water scientists, academics, government officials and others. The five-day conference is organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in collaboration with partners including the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources.
Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing pressing water management and food security issues. The minister noted that Pakistan is among the most water-stressed countries globally, which has significant implications for food security, public health and economic stability.
IWMI Director General, Mark Smith, was a keynote speaker. Smith highlighted that in a world increasingly affected by climate change, collaboration and innovative strategies are essential for achieving climate-resilient solutions. “The water community plays a pivotal role in tackling the uncertainties of the future,” Smith stated, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to address the growing uncertainties around water resources.
Mohsin Hafeez, Director – Water, Food, and Ecosystem at IWMI, explained that Pakistan Water Week is an initiative to strengthen stakeholder relationships and foster innovative solutions to the country’s water security challenges. Pakistan Water Week serves as a platform for open dialogue and knowledge sharing, encouraging the development of actionable strategies for enhancing water security.
The 24 technical thematic sessions will focus on topics including digital innovations, nature-based solutions, as well as women’s leadership in the context of water resources management.
Pakistan Water Week 2024 received support from US Agency for International Development, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
