Reflections from World Water Week in Stockholm

Last month, I had the privilege of representing Frank Water at World Water Week in Stockholm, the leading annual event on global water issues. It was an inspiring, energising and, at times, sobering week. I came away with a renewed sense of urgency, as well as hope, after seeing the power of collaboration in action.

Here are my key takeaways:

If we fail on water, we fail on climate
Water is at the heart of the climate crisis. Without water security, our ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change is severely undermined.

Nurture the ‘We Spirit’
Collaboration is non-negotiable. We need to get over our ego and ensure all voices are heard if we want real, lasting change.

Convene dialogues
We must share knowledge, democratise data, create space for new perspectives, and avoid duplication. Only then can we accelerate impact.

Be inclusive
From youth bringing accountability and energy, to indigenous communities sharing centuries of resilience knowledge, to governments enabling decision-making and scale.  Every voice matters.

Highlights from the week

The UK Pavilion – a true collaboration and a game-changer. Huge thanks to Mark Fletcher and the Arup team for leading this inspiring space.

Wet Networks – with co-hosts Mark Smith and Kirsten Smith bringing plenty of humour, I presented on the importance of inclusive partnerships in tackling global water inequality, sharing our community-rooted collective action process in Maharashtra.

Spontaneous reunions – with Siddharth and Bishwadeep, fresh from attending our high-level multi-stakeholder workshop in Mumbai on advancing climate-resilient water safety and security in Maharashtra.

Talk Show: ‘Collective Action: How corporate water stewardship can benefit local communities’ – I joined Shilpa, Lewys and Louise to discuss the importance of genuine community engagement, hyperlocal data, and democratising that data.

Women on Water Afternoon Tea – hosted by Lila, who led a powerful discussion on personal brand, authenticity, and navigating workplace challenges. Open, honest, and unexpectedly inspiring.

Journeys with Water – bringing meaningful art and conversation to World Water Week through three stunning bronze sculptures by Rebecca Hawkins on our stand.

Celebrating Gunter Blöschl – the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, whose heartfelt speech was a reminder of the passion that drives this movement.

A moment of perspective – meeting David, who remembered me and Frank Water from 19 years ago, when we were just two part-time volunteers. A beautiful reminder to pause and celebrate the journey, the people, partners and passion that have brought us here.

World Water Week 2025 provided an opportunity to connect, learn, and amplify the message that water is central to climate action. At Frank Water, we’ll continue to nurture collaboration, convene dialogues, and bring community voices to the forefront. Because when we work together, change is not only possible, it’s inevitable.