Convening global leaders from government, industry, academia, finance, and civil society to define the water security agenda to 2030 and beyond.

Climate shocks, industrial pollution, unsafe drinking water services and food insecurity are increasing, leaving the most vulnerable people to face the greatest risks to their lives and livelihoods. Advances in water security policy and practice are emerging from governments, companies and communities.

On 20-22 September, the REACH international conference will convene leaders from government, industry, academia, finance, and civil society to define the water security agenda to 2030 and beyond. The conference will feature how the latest science is shaping policy and practice to address key challenges on climate services, sustainable finance and water quality at local and regional scales.

However, progress is slow, uneven, and often unsustainable given the scale and scope of water insecurity challenges. How can a government deliver safe drinking water services to one billion people? Why is East Africa so dry? How can climate science shape policy decisions? What is the role of industry to reduce and eliminate pollution in urban rivers? How are governments rethinking water security finance?

We will discuss the evidence and insights for governments, industry and development agencies to shape more effective responses, learning from a global coalition of partners.

Join us on 20-22 September in Oxford to be part of the conversation and map out priorities for research, policy and practice! #WithinREACH

The 2023 REACH Conference will open at 14:00 GMT on Wednesday 20, and close after lunch on Friday 22 September 2023.

Agenda

Placing the most vulnerable at the centre of the water security agenda, we will discuss the following topics: drought and food insecurity in East Africa, industrial river pollution in cities, delivering safe drinking water to communities, schools and health centres, flood risk management in coastal zones, designing more sustainable financing models, and managing and protecting groundwater for future generations.

As part of the REACH conference, attendees will be invited to join a reception at the Museum of Natural History for a private taster of our Water Security Exhibition, to be launched in the museum in November 2023

Download the agenda [PDF].

Oxford Museum of Natural History. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Speakers

Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford
Ms Swathi Veeravalli, Director of Climate Security and Adaptation, National Security Council, The White House
Mr Muhammad Ibrahim, Secretary, Local Government Division, Government of Bangladesh
Dr Rachael McDonnell, Deputy Director General – Research for Development, IWMI
Hon. Alice Muthoni Wahome, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Government of Kenya.
Ms Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti, India
HE Mr Muhammad Abdul Mannan, Minister of Planning, Government of Bangladesh

View all speakers in our conference programme.

Tickets

Student & Concession	£165
Regular	£325
Tickets include access to the conference from 20-22 September, a drinks & canape reception on 20 September at the Museum of Natural History, a dinner in Keble College on 21 September, and lunches on 21 and 22 September. Accommodation is not included in the price.

Contact

Event Details

Date	Wednesday 20 September 2023 - Friday 22 September 2023
Time	14:00 - 12:30
Location	Oxford

Water policy Climate Sustainable Finance