Stockholm, Sweden, will host the 35th annual World Water Week from August 24 to 28, 2025. Organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the event will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders under the theme "Water for Climate Action." This theme highlights the crucial role of water in addressing the escalating climate crisis through sustainable water resource management, focusing on both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
A significant portion of the conference will be dedicated to accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), with a particular emphasis on Landlocked Developing Countries. Nations such as Bhutan, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia have been recognized for their advancements in water and sanitation infrastructure, serving as examples for broader implementation.
A key session, titled "Tap, Invest, Transform: The Future of Water and Sanitation Financing," will be co-convened by IFAD, GCF, Sida, and UNICEF. This session aims to address the persistent financing gaps in water and sanitation services by exploring innovative financial models necessary for achieving universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
The urgency of these discussions is underscored by the fact that, according to a 2022 World Health Organization report, an estimated 1.7 billion people globally are affected by contaminated water sources. World Water Week 2025 will serve as a vital platform for collaboration among governments, businesses, academic institutions, youth representatives, and civil society organizations to translate knowledge into tangible solutions for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Many sessions will be accessible online to ensure broader participation, addressing the interconnected crises of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. The event will emphasize water's central role in promoting peace and ensuring a sustainable future, also highlighting the importance of indigenous water knowledge and equitable access to water resources.