Water Forum
Request an Invitation to join on October 23, 2023
The inaugural VERGE 23 Water Forum is an invitation-only, half-day gathering of leaders — from businesses, governments, investors, NGOs, solution providers and startups — at the forefront of creating sustainable, resilient and equitable water systems.
Solving wicked water problems is critical to economic development, business growth, social well-being and ecosystem health. We believe there are untapped private- and public-sector opportunities to solve these water challenges through new types of collaborations that accelerate technology and policy innovation. Together, we have the potential to solve water scarcity and poor quality, and ensure the availability of safe and affordable drinking water by all.
What's Covered
VERGE 23 Water Forum participants will share innovative approaches to corporate and public-sector water strategies, partnerships, funding and financing. They will be introduced to innovative technologies and services to achieve their global water commitments while ensuring beneficial outcomes for local communities and ecosystems. Participants will form collaborative relationships with peers and thought leaders by engaging in interactive problem-solving and networking sessions. The result will be a dynamic community working together to create a healthy economy and environment.
Audience
The forum will convene a curated group of about 100 leaders working to reform how we value and manage water. Roughly half will represent business: Fortune 1,000 companies from sectors such as food and beverage, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, semiconductor, retailers and power generation, along with global technology providers, startups and investors The balance will come from the public sector, water utilities, local, national and global nonprofits, academia and civil society.
Key Topics
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Moving from individual action to catalytic communities accelerating solutions
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Advancing innovative public policies and corporate strategies and governance
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Increasing funding and financing of public and private water infrastructure
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Addressing water-land-energy nexus challenges
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Restoring, building and nurturing healthy watersheds
Featured Speakers
Newsha Ajami
Todd Reeve
Alex Mung
Heather Clancy
Will Sarni
James Eklund
Allen Townsend
Radhika Fox
Daryl Vigil
Anna Escuer
Water is essential for economic development, business growth, social well-being and ecosystem health. Now, more than ever, it’s time to create a 'catalytic community’ to address these intersecting priorities and ensure greater water security in communities around the globe. That’s why I am excited to be the keystone partner for the VERGE Water Forum — to help convene those committed to solving our most pressing water challenges and who bring a real bias for action.
When it comes to risks associated with a warming climate, water scarcity and quality concerns are among the most evident — and immediate — priorities to address. The solutions will require more than a surface-level commitment to rethinking water consumption and investments. They’ll require bold approaches made possible by nature and emerging digital technologies, and I’m excited to explore the possibilities at the VERGE Water Forum.
Water Forum Schedule
Location: San Jose Marriott, SJ Ballroom Salons I-III
11:00 – 12:30 Registration
11:30 – 12:30: Lunch & Roundtable Discussions
12:30 – 1:35: Plenary
- Welcome, Context Setting and Overview
- Foundational Panel - Water, It's Complicated
- Lightning Talks - Bold Ideas for Systemic Change
1:35 - 1:55: Coffee Break
- Setup room for group activities
1:55 - 2:25: Case Study
- Solving wicked water problems in the Colorado River Water Basin
2:25 – 3:45: Workshop
- Developing a water stewardship strategy and taking collective action in water-stressed regions
3:50 – 4:00: Closing Remarks
4:00 – 6:00 Reception (Water Forum attendees, only) – Market Terrace, San Jose McEnery Convention Center
Request an Invitation
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