The Hidden Life Of Water: World Water Day 2019 Special Event

March 22nd is World Water Day, and Green Initiatives is bringing together like minded individuals and experts in Shanghai to discuss the the status of access to clean and safe drinking water in Asia, to understand whether our existing fresh water resources can sustain the current pace of development, and change our perspective from ‘water as a commodity’ – as it is currently being treated, to 'water as a form of life'.

Join us at the ROCA Shanghai Gallery to ideate, discuss, recognize, and understand the significance of this most precious resource on our planet, and how we can safeguard it - no matter where we live or what point in life or career we are.

Background

Water is essential for the full enjoyment of life. In a big city like Shanghai, it may be hard to notice how easily accessible water is. Water is used both personally and domestically; for example, washing clothes, food preparation, sanitation, drinking, and various hygiene use. Yet, within developing countries, people are forced to spend their whole life fighting to get access to safe water and survival.

In this context, ‘Safe water’ can be defined as ‘a safely managed drinking water service.’ In other words, accessible, available, and free from contamination. This is the hidden life of water; where we have failed to notice that water is the key in both the creation and survival of life on earth.

Up till this day billions of people struggle to survive without safe water. The problem, water scarcity, arises from the lack of sustainable management. Marginalized groups are often overlooked and face discrimination in trying to access and manage the safe water one needs to thrive and survive. The following are some factors to why people do not have access to safe water: discriminated groups, population growth, environmental degradation, climate change, forced displacement, and migration.

World Water Day Background

March 22nd, 2019 marks the 26th World Water Day, as well as an annual opportunity to focus on the importance of water availability and sustainable management.

In 2010, the United Nations recognized “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right. To drive us towards a deeper understanding and stronger action towards this issue, the theme for this year thus surrounds the idea of ‘leaving no one behind.’ This is a day dedicated towards adapting the Sustainable Development Goal #6, targeting the availability and sustainable management of water for all by the year 2030.

Event Itinerary

• 18:30 – 19:00: Registration
• 19:00 – 19:15: Event Introduction by Green Initiatives and We Are Water Foundation
• 19:15 – 19:30: Presentation by Dawn McGregor
• 19:30 – 19:45: Presentation by Michael Spencer
• 19:45 – 20:15: Discussion Forum
• 20:15 – 20:25: Shanghai Project Case Study Presentation by Eve Samyuktha Thyagarajan
• 20:25-21:00 Networking and Wrap-up

Speakers

Dawn McGregor 
Background: Dawn leads China Water Risk’s projects in the textile space, as well as conducts research and analyses on broader water risk and its disclosure. She is also responsible CWR’s communications and extensive network. She showcased these skills at World Water Week, where she has twice been lead rapporteur presenting key findings in the closing plenary, as well as contributing to conference’s conclusion papers. She has also delivered keynotes at various industry conferences, corporate events and investor forums in China and around the world. Dawn previously worked in a global investment bank analysing and mitigating non-financial risk in Asia Pacific. This included crisis management, business resiliency and geo-political risk assessment.
She now continues her work in risk assessment with a new focus of China and water. Dawn has a background in science with a degree in Biology and Business, which she chose with the view of bridging the scientific world with the corporate & public sector to create synergistic opportunities. Dawn was born and bred in Hong Kong and has lived in France, England as well as Singapore & Beijing.

Michael Spencer 
Background: Michael Spencer has extensive senior management experience in the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, in Australia and internationally, advising on strategy, public policy, organisational change, CSR strategies, voluntary standard setting, communication and reputation management.  He is able to draw on leadership experience with organisations such as BHP Billiton, National Australia Bank, BlueScope Steel, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research and the Victorian Government.  He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and active in business, international and community organisations.  He has been working in water governance and policy for the past decade.

Note

• There is no fee to attend the event, but registration is mandatory.
• Snacks and beverages will be served, thanks to the support of the We Are Water Foundation.