Don’t resolve an issue, embark on a mission: Henk Ovink

To bring clarity and vision amongst the uncertainty and reorganization facing SIWI, World Water Week participants had the opportunity to join lunch sessions every day of World Water Week 2024. On the last day, Waterfront Daily interviewed session host Henk Ovink, to understand the ambition behind these sessions, what came out of it, and what’s next? Henk is the Executive Director of Global Commission on the Economics of Water.

Water governance World Water Week

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Brown woman with a smile, multicolour scarf over an off white sweater — no caption

Radhika Gupta

Communications Manager,

Communications

So, you have been at the same place, same time, every day of World Water Week 2024. What has been your ambition so far?

First, to provide background to ongoing organizational changes at SIWI, and also acknowledge the incredible professionalism displayed by SIWI staff despite challenges. World Water Week is only one week out of fifty-two. It’s not as if suddenly there is this brilliant conference – it is round the year work and effort that goes into building and establishing relationships around the world with officials, communities, Indigenous Peoples and being part of transboundary and local negotiations.

We are hosting these sessions to provide mental and practical support.

Second, to understand what values we would like to keep through these times of change by opening the floor for the audience. Because even during hardship, it is a responsibility to look at the future. Looking back puts one in a vulnerable position, instead of moving forward.

Third, even for someone who is being immediately impacted by change, to get excited about new ideas while being in the midst of uncertainty.

Did anything stick out from what the audience has been saying?

One of the members of the Young Scientific Programme Committee of World Water Week said, “Don’t take it away from us.” It was such an impactful statement, because she wanted to continue learning, and this is only her first World Water Week. She immediately understood the power of the space.

How far have we come together during this Week?

I must be humble – honestly not far enough. And that is because there are so many uncertainties and unknowns about the organization, the governance and partially finance. Excluding the unknowns from the debate to focus on what’s next has been a limitation.

“If the work is anchored in the future mission, it will bring massive capacity, commitment and excitement for the world to turn this dream into a reality.”

Henk Ovink, Executive Director, Global Commission on the Economics of Water

What needs to be done?

Don’t resolve an issue, embark on a mission for the long-term. If you don’t, you will fail. This is the need of the hour. If the work is anchored in the future mission, it will bring massive capacity, commitment and excitement for the world to turn this dream into a reality.

How can World Water Week participants and the water community contribute after the Week is over?

First, every partner present here and otherwise, should acknowledge the individual and collective leadership displayed by SIWI staff. Send in your stories about how SIWI has added value to your organization through its convening power.

Second, step up with your ideas. If you are a partner, small or large, come forward, your ideas can make a difference in the context of what’s next. Perhaps we will set up a platform to do this together.

Third, envision what you can do to contribute to the future – the ideas need to take shape in reality.

Fourth, reach out to your networks. Remember that you are not bound by the water community alone. The water crisis can only be resolved through collective action from energy, food, politics, finance and a combination of sectors.