Pacific Institute experts were front and center during COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference. Building on our 35-year expertise conducting research, issuing warnings, and advancing solutions to the water-climate crisis, the Pacific Institute participated in more than a dozen sessions to scale solutions during COP28.
European Space Agency and CEO Water Mandate Announce Inaugural Water Resilience Projects
Date: December 2
Time: TBC
Location: TBC
Organizer: European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Water Resilience Coalition announced seven pilot projects to advance digital monitoring in 100 of the world’s most water stressed basins – an essential resource to billions of people, ecosystems and industries. By 2050, more than half the world’s population could live in water-stressed areas if urgent action is not taken to achieve global water resilience.
Climate-Proofing a Future for Children: Prioritizing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene on the Global Goal for Adaptation
Date: December 3
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM GST
Location: Ethiopia Pavilion Blue Zone
Organizer: UNICEF
The event presented practical examples of climate resilient WASH initiatives implemented in focus countries, by both the public and private sectors. It demonstrated progress monitoring, a priority in the Global Goal on Adaptation negotiations, while showcasing tangible examples of enhancing sector resilience.
Collective Action and Corporate Water Stewardship in Vulnerable U.S. Basins
Date: December 2
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: UN Global Compact Hub| Blue Zone | District: Opportunity | Thematic Arena 4 | Pavilion Number: TA4-240
The panel discussion provided a preview into the case studies in our upcoming report ‘The Ripple Effect: The Value of Corporate Water Stewardship.’ This report underscores the importance of U.S. private sector action in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): ensuring clean water and sanitation for all. Specifically, the conversation focused on companies engaging in collective action and corporate water stewardship in vulnerable U.S basins.
Championing Climate-Resilient WASH
Date: December 6
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Climate Challenge Lab, Innovation Zone, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Organizer: DP World
This session was an opportunity to take a deep dive into the current landscape of climate-resilient WASH best practices. It encompassed a comprehensive exploration of innovative strategies, technologies, and policy frameworks, all aimed at empowering communities to adapt and thrive in the face of climate-related adversity.
Panel – UNICEF on Climate Resilience & Adaptation Through Water
Date: December 8
Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM GST
Location: IFC Pavillon, Blue zone
Organizer: UNICEF
This session demonstrated that with urgent and concerted action, the world’s water crisis can be averted, and water security can be a benefit for business and society alike.
Climate Resilience Through Water Security: Shaping the Future for Children, Communities, and Business
Date: December 8
Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM GST
Location: International Finance Corporation Pavilion
Organizer: UNICEF
This session demonstrated that with urgent and concerted action, the world’s water crisis can be averted, and water security can be a benefit for business and society alike.
Implementation Lab with Google and NASA, “Passage of Water”
Date: December 10
Time: 3:30 PM GST
Location: Global Climate Action zone – Lab 1 (Al Shaheen)- Blue Zone
Organizer: Google
An interactive session on how data, technology and art catalyse restoration of vital wetlands and rivers. The session was a deep dive into NASA satellite data, innovative technology and visual interpretations proffered in the digital project, Passage of Water by artist Yiyun Kang, NASA and Google Arts & Culture.
Mobilizing the Business Sector for Water – Fireside Chat – Expo City
Date: December 10
Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Location: Expo City Dubai Pavilion in the green zone
Organizer: Expo City
This discussion engaged business leadership on the intersection and business case for investing in water, and the role for private sector stewardship within the context of the sustainability of our water resources and the transition towards circularity. The discussion deep dived into water sustainability more broadly, scaling investment in innovative solutions to address water scarcity, water management and sustainable (inclusive) water systems.