Karachi, November 23, 2023 – 6th Karachi International Water Conference is scheduled to be held on 27th and 28th of November, 2023 at Marriott Hotel, it was announced here earlier today. It is geared to bring together global thought leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the water, environment, climate, health, and food security sectors to address the critical issues of the water crisis in the wake of the ongoing climate emergency.
In an era dominated by discussions on the climate emergency, the 6th Karachi International Water Conference aims to redirect attention to the pressing issue of the water crisis. As the world witnesses the direct impact of carbon emissions on water, including boiling oceans, melting ice, rising sea levels, unprecedented downpours, and more frequent storms, the conference asserts that water-related disasters are now the major manifestation of the climate emergency.
The conference will recognize that governments, corporations, organizations, academics, and citizens must collectively focus on managing water-related disasters, particularly in vulnerable regions like Pakistan, which witnessed the devastating floods of 2022 affecting 30 million people due to unprecedented rainfall.
The Opening Plenary, “Water Matters in Climate Discourse,” marking the conference’s 10th anniversary, will feature a keynote address by Dr Adil Najam and a parliamentary-style debate involving renowned international speakers, including Simi Kamal, Dr Igna Mata Jacob, Dr Mark Smith, Dr Barbara Schriner, Rabiya Javeri Agha, Afia Salam, Ahmed Rafay Alam, Basharat Saeed, Maheen Rehman, Badar Villani, and Malaika Zehra.
Subsequent sessions will explore the multifaceted role of water, from its impact on finance to matters of justice, health, and nutrition. The conference will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on subjects such as watershed management, women’s role in water initiatives, water quality, and the significance of water disasters. Engaging panel discussions and presentations will address the connection of water with corporate sectors, microfinance institutions, blue economy considerations, and progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The conference will also include unique sessions like the “Café of the Unheard,” fostering open dialogue, and a town hall discussing the importance of water in Karachi. Karachi International Water Conference will culminate in the Closing Plenary, emphasizing the future role of water, featuring the Panjwani-Hisaar Water Institute, a conference declaration, and a forward-looking perspective for water-related initiatives.
Highlighting the need for a global policy shift, the conference will strongly advocate for positive reinforcement of water management, nature-based solutions, and resilience-based programming. It will emphasize the importance of developing platforms for water and climate action led by women and young people. The event will champion the involvement of women and youth in policy, strategy, decision-making platforms, and local adaptation initiatives. The 6th Karachi International Water Conference will also shed light on the underlying dysfunctions in global, national, and local economies exposed by the climate and water emergency. It will underscore the failure of current systems to produce economic, environmental, and social justice for people and the planet.
The conference also aims to provide a platform for unheard voices, emphasizing direct and actionable goals for addressing water-related challenges. The outcomes and conclusions from the conference will contribute to discussions at COP 28 in Dubai and the World Water Forum in March 2024, supporting the ongoing efforts of the government of Pakistan.
It may be recalled that in 2013, Hisaar Foundation had set out on an ambitious international water conference journey, hosting a biennial event of global significance in Karachi. Drawing experts from various countries and across Pakistan, over the years KIWC has served as a pivotal space for discourse, bringing together diverse perspectives from government officials to grassroots activists, firmly establishing itself on the global and national water events calendar.
6th Karachi International Water Conference is collaborating with partners such as Infra Zamin Pakistan, Engro, UNESCO, Panjwani Hisaar Water Institute, US Aid, British Council, Eco-norm, ICIMOD, Asia Foundation, Water Aid, UNICEF, PPAF, HANDS, and media partners Airwaves Media, News One, TV One, and WASEB. Acknowledging Hisaar Foundation’s valuable contributions, this collective effort aims to address global water challenges and foster sustainable solutions.
