Opening Speech Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Anchoring Event on Water

“As more than 90% of disasters worldwide are water-related, the conclusion is simple: water has to be the driving force of resilient and adaptive climate policies. Investing in water is our best bet for effective climate adaptation action.”

Speech by Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen at the Climate Adaptation Summit’s Anchoring Event on Water, January 25, 2021.

Distinguished participants,

As your host in the Netherlands, I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to this Anchoring Event of the Water Action Track. In the next two hours, we will present speakers from governments worldwide, multilateral organisations, NGOs – and most important, people who have to cope with the effects of climate change on a daily basis. These are all local champions on water and adaptation.

As more than 90% of disasters worldwide are water-related, the conclusion is simple: water has to be the driving force of resilient and adaptive climate policies. We have to improve the way we manage the challenges of having too much water, too little water, and water that is too dirty.

Collaboration with the worldwide climate community is critical. Especially in the run-up to COP26 in the UK this year, and to the UN water conference that the Netherlands and Tajikistan will co-host in 2023. Working together will be essential to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

As you know, the Netherlands has been facing water challenges since a long time. We have experienced that only an integrated approach of water problems is successful. That means better cooperation within the water sector, as well as across sectors and with other partners. And it requires a sharp focus on knowledge development and innovation.

Our goals are clear. But how can we deliver on this? First of all, through the Water Adaptation Hub we are launching today. A digital place where knowledge comes together, so it can be brought to the political stage.

And also, through mainstreaming water in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Water must become an integral part of these climate action systems.

Now what can you expect today from this Anchoring Event on Water? You will see a wake-up call on water. We have an inclusive panel discussion, and the presentation of some great work on water and climate by award-winning photographers. And you won’t want to miss the events that will showcase the deliverables. Finally, I can strongly recommend the 100-plus side events, organised with many of the 57 Water Action Track partners.  

Investing in water is our best bet for effective climate adaptation action. Thank you for joining us. Enjoy the event!