New York Water - HWP side event during the UN Water Conference
The Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) participated as an accredited organisation at the UN 2023 Water Conference, held in New York from 22–24 March 2023.
On 23 March, HWP organised a dedicated side event entitled “How to respond to the most urgent water-related development needs in the developing world? Bankable and sustainable WASH solutions.” The panel brought together leading representatives of international water organisations to discuss how sustainable, affordable and financeable drinking water and wastewater solutions can help address some of the most urgent challenges facing developing countries.
International cooperation for bankable WASH solutions
During the event, János Áder, former President of Hungary and member of the Water and Climate Leaders initiative, held discussions with representatives of four major international water organisations: the European Water Association (EWA), ASEM WATER, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF).
The discussions focused on the urgent need for practical and financially sustainable approaches to drinking water supply and wastewater treatment in developing regions.
János Áder also highlighted the importance of the recommendations and commitments presented by HWP during the UN Water Conference, particularly those promoting bankable water infrastructure development and decentralised drinking water solutions. He encouraged wider international application of these approaches.
Affordable solutions for developing regions
During the panel discussion, János Áder emphasised that technologies developed by HWP member companies and implemented together with international partners have already demonstrated their practical value.
Particular attention was given to solutions designed to provide safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment at costs that are realistic for developing markets.
The discussion underlined that technological performance alone is not enough. To achieve meaningful impact, water and sanitation investments must also be financially sustainable, adaptable to local circumstances and capable of attracting appropriate public and private financing.
Financing remains a global challenge
Walter Marlowe, representing the US-based Water Environment Federation, and Dr. Károly Kovács, representing the European Water Association, highlighted that sustainable financing of water infrastructure is a challenge not only in developing countries.
Even in Europe and the United States, available public, federal and European funding resources remain below the level required for the long-term renewal and sustainable operation of water infrastructure.
This makes the development of cost-effective, bankable and scalable water solutions increasingly important across both developed and emerging markets.
The importance of community involvement
South African water researcher Mendy Shozi, representing youth and women perspectives within the UN water community, presented examples of how individual and community participation can contribute to improved water supply and sanitation.
Her contribution highlighted that achieving sustainable water services requires not only infrastructure and financing, but also stronger public engagement and local ownership.
Water must be recognised as a fundamental value
Bálint Rózsa, Secretary General of the Hungarian Water Association (HWA), moderated the HWP panel discussion and welcomed the cooperation between the participating organisations.
He also referred to the message of HWA's online side event organised in connection with the UN 2023 Water Conference, which focused on water solidarity and water awareness.
One of the central messages was that societies need to place greater value on access to safe drinking water and sanitation. As highlighted during the discussion, we should be prepared to invest at least as much in healthy drinking water and proper sanitation as we do in telecommunications.
AfWASA–EWA cooperation strengthened in New York
A significant outcome of the HWP side event was the further strengthening of cooperation between the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and the European Water Association (EWA).
HWP had played an active role in initiating and developing cooperation between the two pan-continental professional organisations. During the New York side event, AfWASA and EWA signed a framework cooperation agreement, marking an important milestone in strengthening professional exchange between the African and European water sectors.
The agreement created a stronger platform for knowledge sharing, professional dialogue and cooperation on common water and sanitation challenges.
HWP represented at the highest level
The Hungarian Water Partnership was represented in New York by President Dr. Károly Kovács and Co-President Róbert Forintos.
HWP's participation in the UN 2023 Water Conference reflected the Partnership's broader mission: to connect Hungarian water-sector expertise with international needs and to promote sustainable, affordable and financeable solutions for drinking water, wastewater and sanitation challenges.
HWP extends its thanks to all co-organisers, speakers and participating partner organisations who contributed to the success of the side event.
Related material
The Bankable and Sustainable WASH Solutions brochure prepared for the UN 2023 Water Conference provides further information on the technologies and financing approaches presented during the event.
