The 2025 Stockholm World Water Week will be held from August 24 to 28 in a hybrid format in Stockholm and online.

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Water for Climate Action,” the Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF), together with partner organizations, will host four sessions focusing on actions to address key challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, under the Northern Water Partnership (NoWNET), one session will be co-organized with partner organizations.

Asia-Pacific Focus Sessions

Regional Focus Sessions are an essential component of the World Water Week. In partnership with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) through a memorandum of understanding, the APWF is leading and coordinating four Asia-Pacific Focus Sessions, in close collaboration with APWF regional partner organizations. These sessions will showcase innovative actions and partnerships aimed at addressing the region’s most pressing water challenges.

1. Decarbonizing Asia’s Water Infrastructure: Roadmap for a Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient Future

25^th August (Monday)  9:00-10:30 CEST  (Room C1, Level 2 and Online)

This session explores how water infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific can contribute to climate goals through decarbonization, while enhancing resilience, equity, and water security. By examining practical and strategic approaches, the session aims to identify high-impact solutions that align with national climate commitments and sustainable development objectives. Experts will share case studies, tools, and collaborative strategies to define priority actions and foster a regional community of practice, thereby accelerating low-carbon transitions in the water sector.

Conveners

• Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF)
• Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB)
• Global Water Institute, UNSW, Australia
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Asia
• The University of Queensland

➤For more details: Program

2. Early Warnings in Asia-Pacific: Bridging Science with Action

26^th August (Tuesday)  9:00-10:30 CEST  (Room C1, Level 2 and Online)

This session explores solutions to closing early warning system (EWS) gaps, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration, digital and space technology innovations, and governance reforms. It highlights community-led, impact-based approaches and science-society linkages to boost climate resilience. Experts will share cases and proven strategies aligned with the four pillars of the “EW4All” initiative, contributing to improved preparedness and the delivery of clear, actionable, and inclusive warnings that leave no one behind.

Conveners:

• APWF
• Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
• Australia Water Partnership
• International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
• Korea Environment Institute (KEI)

➤For more details: Program

3. Asia’s Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Future: Harmonizing Hydropower with Nature-Based Solutions

26^th August (Tuesday)  11:00-12:30 CEST  (Room C1, Level 2 and Online)

This session delves into the interplay between hydropower and nature-based solutions (NbS) from the perspective of the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus, examining responses to ecosystem service challenges, climate risks, floods, and droughts facing Asia. It particularly emphasizes the importance of coordinating WEFE trade-offs and protecting biodiversity and vulnerable communities through land use planning, governance, and financing at the river basin and regional levels.

Conveners:

• APWF
• Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
• Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB)
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• IUCN Asia
• UNESCO Beijing

➤For more details: Program

4. Leveraging Regional Synergies for Climate Resilient Water Management in Hindu-Kush-Himalaya

27^th August (Wednesday) – 9:00-10:30 CEST (Room C1, Level 2 and Online)

The Hindu Kush Himalaya faces accelerated glacial melt, threatening nearly 2 billion people. This session will explore how regional cooperation and science diplomacy can strengthen water management, close data gaps, and mobilize finance. The goal is to build a climate-resilient HKH through collaborative research, early warning systems, community-led adaptation, and nature-based solutions.

Conveners:

• APWF
• Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
• International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• IUCN Asia

➤For more details: Program

NoWNET Session

Accelerating Climate Action: Cross-Sector Partnerships for Water Resilience

28 Aug (Thursday) 9:00-10:30 CEST   (Room 3, Level 2 and Online) 

This session explores strategies to accelerate climate action in the water sector, as outlined in the EU Water Resilience Strategy. Insights from the EU Commission and case studies from Europe, Korea, and Japan will highlight solutions, governance models, and financing mechanisms. The exchange of policy alignments, trust-building, and collaboration with global initiatives will emphasize innovation, cooperation, and governance support for water resilience.

Conveners: Northern Water Network (NoWNET)

• Japan Water Forum
• Danish Water Forum
• French Water Partnership
• Korea Water Forum
• Netherlands Water Partnership

➤For more details: Program (Coming soon)

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(Reported by Yumiko Asayama, Chief Manager)