A great networking opportunity with Aquapreneurs
On the 22nd and 24th of March, the UN Water Conference 2023 took place in New York. UpLink, the open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and HCL, the founder of the global freshwater challenge, invited 14 aquapreneurs to New York to attend the UN Water Conference and accelerate progress in clean water and sanitation for everyone. UpLink seeks innovations through global innovation challenges and calls for solutions addressing urgent global problems as specified in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As one of the Uplink Freshwater Challenge winners, bNovate was honoured to be invited to the UN Water Conference. Our CTO Luigino Grasso took the opportunity to network with the other aquapreneurs – learning about their projects, finding synergies and discussing challenges related to water and entrepreneurship.
“Participating in the UN Water Conference 2023 was an enriching and uplifting experience. I connected with people worldwide who share the common goal of ensuring access to clean and sustainable water for all. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on the importance of collaboration and partnerships to achieve our water goals.”
About the UN Water Conference and bNovate's contribution
The conference provided an opportunity to discuss the most pressing water issues and find innovative solutions to address them. The diversity of speakers and panel discussions provided a better understanding of the challenges we face and the opportunities to effect positive change.
Following this event, it is essential to continue to support and invest in innovative water solutions. This is something that bNovate is very committed to. We believe that access to safe and clean water is a fundamental right, and we are committed to providing cutting-edge technologies that help improve water safety and accessibility.
“I would like to thank the UpLink team, the World Economic Forum and HCL for this amazing opportunity. Through the World Freshwater Challenge, these organisations have helped identify and support some of the most promising water solutions in the world. Meeting all these aquapreneurs and learning about their innovative water management and conservation approaches and the passion they bring to their work was truly inspiring.” (Luigino Grasso)
Why is the UN Water Conference so important?
The UN 2023 Water Conference is the first United Nations conference on water in 46 years. Worldwide, more than 2 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water, and almost 4 billion lack access to sanitation facilities – an appalling situation that needs improvement. Furthermore, over 95% of natural disasters are water-related and only by addressing water and particularly freshwater, the climate crisis, carbon crisis and any other natural crisis can be mastered.
Water is fundamental for a proper, healthy life, but issues around it are increasing. It is also a central element when tackling climate, food and economy questions. Water is invaluable, which must be recognised, and accountability lies at the state level. Innovative concepts and partnerships are needed to drive innovations forward. A collaborative ecosystem fostering complementary solutions is necessary to solve issues around water.
The conference showcased game-changing initiatives and set commitments for governments and businesses worldwide.*
(*sources: WEF Video What needs to happen at the UN Water Conference, about UPlink https://uplink.weforum.org/uplink/s/about)
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