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Panel 1 – Water, Cities and Climate: Interconnectedness for a Sustainable Future

24 JUNE 2025, TUESDAY
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
ROOM 1

The SIWW-IAHR Joint High-Level Panels will discuss case studies and solutions on how industry can provide access to knowledge, technology and innovation to support the transformation of cities to become more climate resilient.

Programme

Panel 1 – Water, Cities and Climate: Interconnectedness for a Sustainable Future

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Water plays a pivotal role in various urban systems, contributing to the resilience of cities in the face of climate change. In transportation, water management systems—such as stormwater infrastructure and flood barriers—ensure that roads, railways, and public transport networks remain functional during extreme weather events. In the energy sector, water is essential for cooling systems in power plants and for the production of hydroelectric energy, making efficient water use and management key to maintaining energy security. In housing and buildings, water-efficient technologies like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling reduce dependence on freshwater sources, while green roofs and permeable surfaces mitigate heat islands and promote stormwater absorption. In public health, access to clean water and effective sanitation systems are critical for preventing waterborne diseases, especially during flood events. By integrating water into these urban systems—through nature-based solutions, infrastructure enhancements, and policy innovations— cities can strengthen their climate resilience and become more liveable.

*Networking Morning Coffee Break will be held from 10:30AM to 11:00AM.

Speakers
  • Juan Azcarete Luxan, Deputy Director Energy & Climate Change Urban Planning, Madrid City Council
  • Prof Winston Chow, Professor of Urban Climate, Singapore Management University & Co-Chair Working Group II, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
  • Meike van Ginneken, Water Envoy, Kingdom of the Netherlands
  • Lykke Leonardsen, Programme Director, Resilient and Sustainable City Solutions, City of Copenhagen
  • Norio Saito, Senior Sector Director, Water and Urban Development Sector Office, Sectors Department 2, Asian Development Bank
  • Dave Sivaprasad, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group
  • Prof Jing Peng, President, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research

Moderator
  • Dr Mark Fletcher, Director and Global Water Business Leader, Arup

Speakers

Juan Azcarete Luxan
Juan Azcarete Luxan
Deputy Director Energy & Climate Change Urban Planning,
Madrid City Council
Prof Winston Chow
Prof Winston Chow
Professor of Urban Climate,
Singapore Management University & Co-Chair Working Group II,
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Meike van Ginneken
Meike van Ginneken
Water Envoy,
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Lykke Leonardsen
Lykke Leonardsen
Programme Director,
Resilient and Sustainable City Solutions,
City of Copenhagen
Norio Saito
Norio Saito
Senior Sector Director,
Water and Urban Development Sector Office,
Sectors Department 2,
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Dave Sivaprasad
Dave Sivaprasad
Managing Director and Partner,
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Prof Jing Peng
Prof Jing Peng
President,
China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR)

Moderator

Dr Mark Fletcher
Dr Mark Fletcher
Director and Global Water Business Leader,
Arup