World Water Week 2024

At RTI, we recognize that ensuring global water security is one of humanity's most pressing challenges. With billions lacking reliable access to safe water and increasing pressure on water resources due to population growth and shifting climate patterns, the urgency is clear. 

We are thrilled to join partners and colleagues at World Water Week 2024 in Stockholm. This year's theme, "Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future," aligns with our commitment to this vital cause.

RTI at WWW 2024

Nature-based Solutions Evaluation Tools for Cooperative, Cross-Border Watershed Management

Date: Sunday, August 25, 2024
Time: 1200 CEST (0600 EST)
About: This session will describe tools and planning processes used in the southeastern USA to facilitate watershed management and decision making for cross-border water decisions related to resilience, climate change, and environmental justice. After a series of case study presentations, open discussion will be encouraged for knowledge transfer.
Co-conveners: TNC, RTI
RTI Speakers: Michele Eddy, Sarah Bates

Ripple Effect: Innovating Governance in Water Management

Date: Sunday, August 25, 2024
Time: 1300 CEST (0700 EST)
About: This session will examine the role of governance in WASH, using case studies in Kenya and Ecuador and the USAID Matrix of Pillars and Principles of WASH and WRM Governance. We'll discuss adapting governance structures to dynamic contexts, fostering inclusivity, and promoting sustainable practices for local water access.
Co-conveners: USAID, USAID Western Kenya Sanitation Project, USAID TuMUNI, Government of Kenya, Municipality of Pajan in Ecuador, RTI
RTI Speakers: Paul Orengoh, Carlos Arias

Enablers and Barriers of Constructed Wetlands as a Nature-based Solution

Date: Sunday, August 25, 2024
Time: 1500 CEST (0900 EST)
About: This session will discuss various factors identified as enablers and barriers of constructed wetlands (CW) application as a nature-based solution for wastewater treatment. CW are designed to mimic the processes of natural wetlands which naturally filter and improve water quality. While CW have been utilized as a wastewater treatment method for decades and can be much more economical and environmentally friendly than conventional treatment options, adoption rates in low- and middle-income countries remain low. To understand the challenges and promote CW adoption as a technical solution for wastewater treatment, a team from RTI International conducted semi-structured interviews and surveys in five countries as case studies (Senegal, Kenya, the Philippines, Jordan, and Dominican Republic). The research results will be presented along with experiences from each country.
Co-conveners: Habitat for Humanity Kenya, German Jordanian University, Global Water Solutions Inc., Plan Yaque Inc., RTI
RTI Speakers: Carole Abourached, Mark Radin, Meaghan McGrath

Water and Sanitation Provision in Areas with Geographic Challenges

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Time: 1300 CEST (0700 EST)
About: This session will present lessons learned from practitioners working on different approaches to addressing water and sanitation initiatives in communities with challenging physical environments. The session will draw from different activities designed and implemented in Cambodia. Panel participants will address their approaches to increasing water and sanitation services in areas with frequent flooding, rocky soil, and in floating communities.
Co-conveners: 17 Triggers, Engineers without Borders Australia, USAID/Cambodia Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) Activity, Wetland Works, RTI

Learning from Water Conflict Mitigation in Ethiopia’s Lowland Regions

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Time: 1500 CEST (0900 EST)
About: This session will reflect on how conflicts over water use in Ethiopia’s lowland regions surface and have intensified due to among others increasing overall impacts of climate change to natural resources and competition to scarce pasture areas, which stakeholders have influence to better manage conflicts, and what are possible approaches to mitigate conflicts. The session will also highlight findings from the development of a Water Conflict Mitigation Strategy in the lowlands under the Climate Resilient WASH Activity funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and find opportunities to incorporate learnings from discussions into the final Strategy. The session seeks active panel and audience engagement to hear more about applied conflict mitigation methods and lessons.
Co-conveners: USAID, Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (Ethiopia), RTI   RTI Speakers: Wondwosen Tsige, Kassahun Eshetu

Bridging Divides: A New Era of Transboundary Basin Management

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Time: 1600 CEST (1000 EST)
About: This session will focus on the opportunities and challenges to strengthen regional coordination and effective transboundary water management for healthy and resilient transboundary basins in the Americas. Experts will explore methodologies and strategies for stakeholder engagement, behavioral change and optimal water allocation to contribute to more effective transboundary action.
Co-conveners: UNDP, OneDrop, IDB, RTI
RTI Speaker: Enrique Triana

Activating the Market for Menstrual Health

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Time: 1300 CEST (0700 EST)
About: This session will present the comprehensive approach we are using to build a vibrant and sustainable market for menstrual hygiene products in partnership with local government, local entrepreneurs, and community organizations in Western Kenya.
Co-conveners: LACOMP Consult, Matitibabu Foundation, RTI, Society Empowerment Project, USAID, USAID Western Kenya Sanitation Project
RTI Speakers: Mark Radin, Sophary Phan

Tech & Science: Advancing Transboundary Water Cooperation

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Time: 1600 CEST (1000 EST)
About: This session focuses on innovation and technology for the management of transboundary water resources in Latin American and the Caribbean. It highlights the crucial role of innovation and new collaborative mechanisms to address climate change and water management issues through the presentation of case studies and practices. Participants will explore how cross-border data gathering, information exchange, analysis, and decision support tools serve as catalysts for cooperation, emphasizing the synergy between policy, local scientific efforts, and academic contributions in supporting shared water management strategies.
Co-conveners: OAS, The Nature Conservancy, FEMSA Foundation, UNDP, AySa, IDB, RTI
RTI Speaker: Juliana Corrales

Stop the Flow of Lead in New Drinking Water Systems

Date: Thursday, August 29
Time: 1400 CEST
About: This workshop will discuss sources of lead contamination in drinking water and discuss steps governments, development partners, and the private sector can take to reduce lead exposure from drinking water in low- and middle-income countries.
Co-conveners: The Aquaya Institute, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Rural Water Supply Network, UN International Children's Emergency Fund, University of Leeds, UNC-CH, World Health Organization, World Vision
RTI Speaker: Jennifer Hoponick Redmon
 

Watch our sessions by registering for a free online access pass to World Water Week here.