Strong Data for Science-based Circular Water Solutions, High-Level Political Forum 2023
18 July 2023, 18:30 – 20:00
United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA
For the tenth consecutive year, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development was held with the theme of “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels”. This year, the HLPF reviewed in-depth Goals 6 on clean water and sanitation, 7 on affordable and clean energy, 9 on industry innovation and infrastructure, 11 on sustainable cities and communities and 17 on partnerships for the Goals. Detailed information about the HLPF 2023 can be found here.
On 18 July, UNEP was pleased to prepare a side event entitled "Strong Data for Science-based Circular Water Solutions". The event showcased the progress made in water data availability and remaining data gaps as well as highlighted innovative ways to close this gap. Through an exchange of practices of what has been done to narrow the water data gaps and developments regarding the nexus between the circular economy and more sustainable management of water, including experiences regarding the design of infrastructure to improve efficiency, water reuse, the integration of grey water into urban landscapes and improved agricultural water sustainability.
Mr. Jamil Ahmad, UNEP New York Office gave the opening remarks to the side event, followed by Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the UN as keynote speaker and youth representative Ms. Jordan A. Sanchez as a scene setter. The side event continued with a panel discussion and a moderated questions and answers session. Detailed information of the programme can be found below.
Details about panel speakers:
Dr. Leila Benali,
president of the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly and Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco and member of the Special Commission on the Development Model in her country.
Her Excellency Dr. Leila Benali has developed extensive experience in industry, banking and public policy of energy for governments, energy companies, investment banks, industrialists, and institutional investors. She was also Director for the Middle East and Africa at IHS, an international security; and energy research and consultancy firm, a professor at Sciences Po, an industrial engineer at Schlumberger, and the chair of the Arab Energy Club.
Ms. Phumla Ncqumshe,
Deputy Director of the Department of Water Affairs, Department of Water and Sanitation in South Africa. She has experience in financial management, human resources, supply chain management and administration. Prior to the Department of Water and Sanitation, Phumla was an advisor at Eskom on labour relations matters. She holds a post graduate diploma in Labour relations from the University of Johannesburg.
Dr. Erica Gaddis,
Water Resources Director at SWCA Environmental Consultants and chair of UNEP’s Measuring Progress: Water-related ecosystems and the SDGs report. She leads teams working on water resources, ecological restoration, and sustainability work across the United States. She is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utah. She has contributed to UNEP projects related to freshwater since 2005, including the Global Environment Outlook series.