The United Nations of Rivers, Deltas and Estuaries

Strategies and methodologies aimed at the sustainable management of water and water ecosystems need to go beyond technical and economic-driven approaches. In the run-up to the UN Water Conference and during NY Water Week, we gathered several methodologies and insights that combine local stories with global narratives in a multi-scalar approach, enabling design-thinking and artistic interventions for the implementation of the Water Action Agenda. This high-level meeting aims to share our insights and gather support of policy makers and international organizations for the implementation of a series of action-based initiatives. Together, the participants will set aims and objectives for the year to come, and formalize the commitments for the Water Action Agenda.

Introduction: 
Rick Bell, Columbia University
Eric Orsenna, President of Initiatives for the Future of Great Rivers (IAGF)
Karl M. Wantzen, UNESCO Chair River Culture

Speakers:
Bernadette Araba Adjei, Water Resources Commission, Ghana
Miriam Haritz, Federal Ministry for the Environment Germany
Ruth Richardson, INLWi
Lylian Coelho, WomeVai
Isabel Wallnoefer, International Union for Conservation of Nature
Diana Morales Irato, Deltares and Valuing Water Initiative
Nanco Dolman, Deltares
Li An Phoa, Drinkable Rivers Foundation
Eriberto Eulisse, Wamu-Net
Eddy Moors, Delft Institute for Hydrological Education

Moderators:
Carola Hein, UNESCO Chair Water, Ports, and Historic Cities
Matteo D’Agostino, works for Chair History of Architecture and Urban Planning, TU Delft