This year's theme was "Bridging Borders: water for a peaceful and sustainable future" and the One For All delegation hailing from all over the globe.
Published on: 30/10/2024
Wondering what the One For All Alliance was up to during Stockholm World Water Week this past August? This article gives you a behind-the-scenes look into a day in the life of our delegation. From insightful panels on gender equity in WASH systems and a partner meeting on the Heads of State Initiatives, to the launch of the One For All Annual Report—our presence was felt everywhere!
We start the day in Stockholm with a walk along the city's cobbled streets, drinking coffee, and eating a first (of many) kanel bulle – while we head to the first day of Stockholm World Water Week. The doors open to World Water Week and the One For All booth is right next to the entrance – we could not ask for a better location! It is a vibrant place to have meetings, get coffee, or tune in to a story of the Alliance.
By mid-morning, it is time to attend a panel discussion, like "Achieving Gender Equity in WASH Systems" where Julita Chinseu, WASH Business Coordinator at Water For People in Malawi, took center stage on a panel with USAID, WaterAid, Agenda for Change, and Emory University, moderated by FCDO. Watch the recording here.
The Heads of State Leadership Session was on next where Patrick Moriarty (CEO, IRC) and Hajar Yagkoubi, Youth Ambassador from All Systems Connect 2023, moderate the session, which shows examples from different countries of how heads of state and other political leaders are committing to WASH Compacts to accelerate progress in providing WASH services to all. The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, South Sudan, Hon. Pai Mai Deng and Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nigeria, Hon. Bello Muhammad share stories on developing high-level commitment. Watch the recording here.
It's time for a special event—the launch of the One For All Alliance Annual Report 2023! With a fika (a traditional Swedish coffee break) setting the scene, partners and interested attendees come together to hear from One For All colleagues: Jane Nabunnya (IRC in Uganda), Seda Arzumanyan (Water For Good) and Ivan Palma (Water For People – Latin America). Their remarks highlight initiatives and achievements of the One For All alliance. Additional impact stories from One For All are available online.
There's no place like World Water Week in terms of networking. In between sessions and side events, initiative launches and plenary speeches, there are small meetings taking place in all the margins. Dozens of conversations are pursued with active and potential donors, as well as current and prospective sector partners, helping to solidify sector relationships for the Alliance and its members. These generally take place at the One For All Coffee bar, across the street at the Espresso House, or the famously delicious Vette-Katten Café. Some describe it as a whole year of networking crammed into five (very full) days.
In the evening, many delegates attend the Reception at the Dutch Embassy, a highly anticipated annual event co-organized by IRC. The event was attended by over 200 water experts, delegations, and key partners, including representatives from WHO and other significant players in the water sector. Once again, One For All is present - whether it was networking or helping out where needed.
A takeaway from Sarah Bramley (Chief Impact Officer, Water For People): ''One thing that I learnt is that whilst we have decreased the absolute number of women who collect water for their household daily, the ration of women doing so has not actually changed. So we still need to improve gender equity in WASH!''
Search for "World Water Week" on YouTube for many more recordings and learnings
Co-authored by Melissa Revotskie and Kat Leitzmann (Water For People)
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