Welcome to the new knowledge platform of the Sustainable Water and
Energy
Solutions Network.
In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which jointly constitute a comprehensive plan of action to eradicate poverty and ensure sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the central role that improved access to both water and energy play in advancing sustainable development. Powering progress on SDG 6 on water and SDG 7 on energy will also have an effect on a range of other Sustainable Development Goals, such as those on health, food, poverty eradication, gender equality, economic productivity, and climate change. The importance of energy and water and their strong interdependence have become more evident during the COVID-19 world crisis of 2020. Without the critical services of water and energy, the full spectrum of health services could not be implemented.
Recognizing the need to address the interlinkages between water and energy and their contributions to the advancement of other SDGs, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and ITAIPU Binacional (hydroelectric power plant owned by Brazil and Paraguay) joined efforts in 2018 in a partnership entitled “Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions” to promote water and energy sustainability and other SDGs. The initiative resulted in the creation of the global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network on SDG 6 and SDG 7 interlinkages, with a large number of multi-stakeholders from all regions and constituencies. The aim is to bring together all stakeholders to promote an integrated approach to SDG 6 and SDG 7 in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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FEATURED NEWS & EVENTS
Capacity Development Workshop on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions supporting Circular Economies, 23-24 February 2023 | Madrid, Spain
Building on ongoing efforts by the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network, UN DESA convenved a Capacity Development Workshop from 23-24 February 2023, hosted by Canal de Isabel II in Madrid, Spain. The workshop brought together global experts to discuss water and energy sector interlinkages and interdependences, showcase existing initiatives, and mobilize action to accelerate efforts towards circular economies. Participants shared knowledge and highlighted experiences and innovative systems as well as discussed the social, economic, and environmental benefits that can be derived from sustainable water and energy solutions. The technical session of the event was Moderated by Mr. Manuel Menéndez Prieto, Special Advisor, Cabinet of the Secretary of State of Environment, Spain & Vice Chair, Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, UNESCO. A panel of experts from Spain, Tajikistan, Guatemala, Brazil, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Indonesia presented their ongoing initiatives that promote integrated water and energy management, followed by a question-and-answer session with the participants.
Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions supporting Climate Change and Biodiversity Objectives through Innovation and Clean Technologies
On 9 November 2022, in the margins of COP27 in Egypt, UN DESA will convene the event “Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions supporting Climate Change and Biodiversity Objectives through Innovation and Clean Technologies”. The event will take place at the SDG Pavilion in hybrid mode, from 14:45 to 16:00 (Egypt Time) or 7:45 – 9:00 (New York Time). The 2022 UN Conference on Climate Change (COP 27) offers a unique platform to discuss innovative and integrated technological systems for sustainable water and energy solutions supporting climate change and biodiversity objectives. The main objectives of this event are: 1) to exchange and disseminate knowledge and experiences related to innovative technological systems designed to ensure efficient and effective use of water and energy resources; 2) to discuss the potential benefits and impacts of these innovative systems on climate change and biodiversity.
Concept
Note
Agenda
Flyer
Summary
Pascual Fernández, Canal de
Isabel II
Carol Mungo, SEI,
Kenya
Sergio
D. Mendez Gaona
, Itaipu Binacional
Maria A. Gwynn, Itaipu
Binacional
Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions to achieve Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Ecosystem Health through Strategic Partnerships
On 12 July 2022, UN DESA and Itaipu Binacional hosted a virtual side entitled “Sustainable Water and Energy solutions to Achieve Quality Education, Gender Equality and Ecosystem Health through Strategic Partnerships” in the margins of the High-Level Political Forum. The event featured remarks and presentations by the Permanent Missions of Brazil and Paraguay to the UN, as well as UN-system representatives and members and partners of the Water and Energy Solutions Network. At the event, the central role of the water and energy nexus in order to achieve all the 17 SDGs was highlighted, in particular in connection to the SDGs being reviewed at this year´s HLPF: SDG4 (Quality Education), SDG5 (Gender Equality), SDG14 (Life below water), SDG15 (Life on land) and SDG 17 (Partnerships). Following high-level opening and expert presentations, an interactive discussion also explored opportunities to scale-up action under the umbrella of the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network.
Flyer
Concept
Note
Solar
Energy Foundation Ethiopia
Association of
Sugar Producers of Guatemala
Canal de Isabel II
Region of Madrid
HPNET
UGD RBMA –
ITAIPU
Closing
Remarks
Statement -
Paraguay
The Global Symposium on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions, 13-15 June 2022
UN DESA is convening the first Global Symposium on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions to be hosted by Itaipu Binacional, at its headquarters on 13-15 June 2022. The global symposium aims to enhance capacities of relevant stakeholders to effectively manage the water-energy nexus and interlinkages with other SDGs. The event will provide a global platform for all stakeholders to disseminate knowledge, exchange experiences and showcase best practices on integrated approaches that support sustainable water and energy solutions. It will also represent an opportunity for dialogue on effective policy, technical and managerial approaches to water and energy supporting sustainable development. It is expected that the discussions and outcomes of this Global Symposium will set the groundwork for the development of the First World Report on the Status and Trends on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions.
Summary
Draft
Agenda
Flyer
Concept
Note
Logistic
Note
The Role of the Private Industry in Support of the SDGs on Water, Energy, Biodiversity and Health, May 10, 2022
This event supports the United Nations Decade of Action by showing the importance of the industry in society, well-being of the population and the environment. The event provides an opportunity to show how the private industry plays a key role in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, economic development and prosperity.
Flyer
Concept
Note
Agenda
Panelist Presentations:
Sustainable
Energy Team, UNDESA
Convention on
Biological Diversity
ICC.
Guatemala
State
of São Paulo Environmental Company, CETESB. Brazil
Green Business
Unit, CAF
UNICA.
Brazil
Comunidad
de Madrid. Spain
City
of Escuintla, Guatemala
Canal de
Isabel II. Spain
Partnerships
and Business of the World Food Program
Guatemalan
Sugar Industry, ASAZGUA
EDUCTRADE
Call for Papers on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions for a Special Issue of NRF- a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal
The Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal (NRF) has launched a call for papers for its 2022 Special Issue on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions, to be published in November 2022. This Special Issue aims to promote understanding of the technology-policy nexus and enhance global awareness of ongoing integrated efforts on water and energy, as well as interlinkages with other SDGs. The Journal is looking for scholarly articles on different aspects of sustainable water and energy solutions at the global, regional, national and sub-regional levels. The deadline for submitting articles is 30 June 2022. The editorial team of the NRF will give priority to articles that focus on applied research and/or case studies, in particular those relating to SDG 6, SDG 7 and their interlinkages with other SDGs.
Contributions to the journal are accepted at the NRF manuscript submission site at: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/nrf
Author guidelines may be consulted at:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/
(ISSN)14778947/homepage/ForAuthors.html
Questions and comments may be addressed to: NRFORUM@un.org
Call for
Papers Special Issue Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions
TOWARDS THE FIRST GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM ON WATER AND ENERGY March 29, 2022 | 5:00pm-6:30pm (Dubai time UTC+4)
This global event at Expo 2020 Dubai provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences supporting a more sustainable world, with integrated approaches on SDG 6 (water) and SDG 7 (energy). It also announced the first Global Symposium on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions, organized by Itaipu Binacional and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). The Global Symposium will take place at Itaipu in June 2022.
Bioenergy for sustainable development: Ethanol and electricity from sugarcane 23 March 2022
Sustainable production and consumption of bioenergy represent considerable opportunities that support the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Nevertheless, there are significant barriers to scaling up and replicating bioenergy good practices. The creation of an enabling environment for sustainable bioenergy production and the improvement of the management of water resources are necessary conditions for the development of bioenergy programmes in many countries that have great potential for biofuel use. This requires multi-stakeholder alliances among the public, private and civil society sectors that would allow feasible responses ensuring responsible consumption and production.
Flyer
Agenda
Concept
Note
Speakers
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE WATER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS NETWORK
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and ITAIPU Binacional joined efforts in 2018, creating a partnership entitled “Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions” that recognized the need to address the interlinkages between water and energy and their contributions to the advancement of other SDGs. The initiative resulted in the creation of the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network with a growing number of multi-stakeholders from all regions and constituencies.
COP26 Side Event: Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions supporting Climate Change Objectives during the Decade of Action and Beyond
On 4 November 2021 from 10-11:30am EST / 14:00-15:30 Glasgow Time, the Sustainable Water & Energy Solutions Network hosted a side event at COP26. The event, moderated by Ms. Leena Srivastava, Deputy Director General for Science at IIASA, included Welcoming Remarks by Mr. Liu Zhenmin, UN USG for Economic and Social Affairs and Opening Remarks by HE Mr. Bento Albuquerque, Minister of Mines and Energy, Brazil. The event included panelists from Canal De Isabel II, ICC Guatemala, Itaipu Binacional, SOLshare and the Solar Energy Foundation. Panelists shared their plans and outlooks related to climate change. These solutions include improvements in energy efficiency, investments in the developing world, innovative plans designed to transform the way we interact with energy and water, all in the interest of building climate mitigation, resilience, and adaptation.
Summary
Agenda
Concept
Note
Panelist Presentations:
Canal de Isabel II
Private Institute for Climate Change Research (ICC)
Itaipu Binacional
SOLshare
Solar Energy Foundation
Side Event on Energy Compact of the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network
On 24 September 2021 from 7-8:15 (NY time) a side event on “Energy Compact of the Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network”, was held at the High Level Dialogue on Energy. This side event showcased the three participating organizations of the Network with voluntary commitments - Itaipu Binacional, Canal de Isabel II, and Asazgua - who presented and discussed their commitments and to explain how these commitments support transformative pathways on energy and water and scaled-up actions supporting climate change objectives.
Panelist Presentations:
UNDESA presentation
Canal de Isabel II presentation
Asazgua presentation
Webinar on Water and Energy Solutions Boosting Social Actions in Support of SDGs 3 and 4
On 18 August 2021 from 10-11:30 (NY time) the webinar on Water and Energy Solutions Boosting Social Actions in Support of SDGs 3 and 4, organized by the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network in cooperation with its founding member ITAIPU, brought together multi-stakeholders to discuss and showcase existing initiatives and disseminate information on how sustainable water and energy solutions can promote well-being and quality education. Moderated by Ms. Isabel Raya, Sustainable Energy Expert, Division for Sustainable Development Goals, UNDESA this event kicked off with welcoming remarks by Gustavo Ovelar on behalf of Mr. Luiz Felipe Carbonell of Itaipu Binacional. The panel of experts from UNESCO, Itaipu, Solar Energy Foundation, Canal de Isabel II and the World Energy Council shared experiences on how sustainable water and energy solutions can promote well-being including health and quality education.
Panelist Presentations:
UNESCO
Itaipu Binacional
Canal de Isabel II
Solar Energy Foundation
World Energy Council
Webinar on The Key Role of Biodiversity in Support of Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions, Terrestrial Ecosystems and Climate Change Objectives
On 13 August 2021 from 10-11:30 (NY time) a webinar on The Key Role of Biodiversity in Support of
Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions, Terrestrial Ecosystems and Climate Change Objectives, organized
by the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network in cooperation with its founding member
ITAIPU, brought together multi-stakeholders to discuss and showcase existing initiatives and disseminate
information on how biodiversity plays a key role enabling water and energy solutions sustainably.
Moderated by Ms. Lucy Aquino, WWF this event kicked off with welcoming remarks by Coordination
Directors, Mr. Luiz Felipe Carbonell and Miguél Gomez, Itaipu Binacional. The panel of experts from
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and the National Zoo, Life Institute, Convention on
Biological Diversity and Itaipu Binacional shared experiences on biodiversity, water, and energy for
fighting climate change.
Panelist Presentations:
ITAIPU presentation
CBD presentation
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute presentation
Life Institute
Report on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions addressing Climate Change
This report seeks to inform the ongoing expert and public policy debate on sustainable water and
energy solutions addressing climate change with a view to facilitate information exchange, enhance
local, national and international cooperation, and stimulate collaborative development actions that
“leave no one behind” in terms of water supply and sanitation, access to sustainable energy, and
protection from potential negative impacts of climate change. The Report includes descriptions of
selected technological areas and innovative systems that represent sustainable water and energy
solutions addressing climate change. This report is an output of the global multi-stakeholder
“Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network” launched jointly by UN DESA and Itaipu Binacional in
2018 to enhance capacities and cooperation and to enable an integrated approach to the Sustainable
Development Goals on water (SDG 6) and energy (SDG 7) and the interlinkages with other SDGs,
particularly SDG 13 on climate change.
Download
Report
Side Event on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Addressing Climate Change during the Decade of Action
On 12 July 2021 from 7:30-9:00 (NY time) the virtual side event "Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions
Addressing Climate Change during the Decade of Action" was organized by the Global Sustainable Water and
Energy Solutions Network during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Global
leaders discussed the water and energy sector interlinkages and interdependence, showcase existing
initiatives to accelerate the adoption of integrated water and energy solutions towards achieving the
2030 Agenda.
Summary
Agenda
Concept Note
Panelist Presentations:
UNDESA Launching Report SWES Addressing Climate Change
Canal de Isabel II - Actions for SDG13 & SDG15 implementation on the Region of
Madrid
Itaipu - Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and its Impacts
ICC - Climate action from the sugar agroindustry of Guatemala
Master in Renewable Energy in the Marine Environment
The Master in Renewable Energy in the Marine Environment (REM plus) is an Erasmus Mundus Joint
Master Degree (EMJMD) offered by four universities: the University of the Basque Country, the University
College Cork, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and École Centrale de Nantes. The
master is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and provides some fully funded
scholarships. This Maters Degree is an example of international cooperation for education and training
in the marine energy field, gathering more than 50 associate partners from a wide range of sectors such
as industries, research centers and universities, but could welcome more.
More information
Poster
Webinar on Ocean Energy
On 29 June 2021 from 9-10:30 (NY time) a webinar on Ocean Energy, organized by the Global Sustainable
Water and Energy Solutions Network in cooperation with its member SINTEF, brought together
multi-stakeholders to showcase existing initiatives and disseminate information on ocean energy.
Moderated by Mr. Moez Jomaa, Senior Research Scientist of SINTEF, this event kicked off with welcoming
remarks by Mr. Ivan Vera, Senior Advisor, UN DESA. The panel of experts from IRENA, SINTEF in Norway,
Orbital Marine Power in Scotland, Makai Ocean Engineering in Hawaii, Norwegian University of Science and
Technology (NTNU) and University of Trento in Italy, shared experiences on integrated water and energy
solutions related to ocean energy.
Download Webinar Summary
Download Webinar Agenda
Concept Note
Panelist Presentations:
UNDESA Opening
Remarks
SINTEF
presentation
Makai
Ocean Engineering presentation
University
of Trento presentation
IRENA presentation
Network Contributes to Global Efforts on SDG7 by Announcing Energy Compact
On 24 June 2021 at the MINISTERIAL THEMATIC FORUM ON ENABLING SDGs THROUGH INCLUSIVE, JUST ENERGY
TRANSITIONS, Ivan Vera, Senior Energy Advisor, on behalf of the Global Sustainable Water and Energy
Solutions Network, announced that three Network members have made voluntary commitments for an Energy
Compact:
- Itaipu Binacional, the hydroelectric power organization of Brazil and Paraguay, commits to invest USD 5 million in capacity development for energy access, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and USD 200 million to strengthen electrical transmission and distribution, consequently improving reliability, efficiency and electricity access in Paraguay;
- The Guatemalan sugar association ASAZGUA and Spanish water company of the Community of Madrid Canal de Isabel II each commit to expanding its electricity generation to cover 100% of its electricity demand with 100% clean renewable sources by 2030;
- ASAZGUA additionally commits to meet at least 30% of the electricity demand of Guatemala during the three dry months of the year through renewable energy, increase production of ethanol for transportation by 20%, and develop a new form of bioenergy from biological residues; and
- Canal de Isabel II additionally commits to increase its energy efficiency by 6.8% by 2025 and to invest more than EUR 80 million over the next 10 years to meet these energy commitments.
Webinar on Bioenergy for Sustainable Development
On 8 June 2021 from 10-11:30 (NY time) the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network in
cooperation with its member ASAZGUA, brought together multi-stakeholders to discuss and showcase
existing initiatives and disseminate information on bioenergy. Moderated by Jinlei Feng, Programme
Officer of IRENA, this event kicked off with welcoming remarks by Mr. Ivan Vera, Senior Advisor, UN
DESA. The panel of experts from Sao Paulo State Government in Brazil, ASAZGUA in Guatemala, IIASA, UNICA
in Brazil, and Canal de Isabel II in Spain, shared experiences on integrated water and energy solutions
related to bioenergy.
Download Webinar Summary
Download Webinar Agenda - English
Download Webinar Agenda - Portugues
Download Webinar Agenda - Spanish
Concept Note
Panelist Presentations:
UNDESA
Opening Remarks
ASAZGUA presentation
IIASA Scenarios for
Sustainable Biofuel Development presentation
UNICA Sugarcane Bioenergy
in Brazil presentation
Canal de Isabel
II presentation
Desalination Using Renewable Energy
On 7 June 2021 from 8-9:30 (NY time) as part of the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions
Network webinar series, ESCWA in cooperation DESA brought together multi-stakeholders to discuss and
showcase existing initiatives and disseminate information on desalination systems powered with renewable
energy. Moderated by Ms. Radia Sedaoui, Chief Energy, UNESCWA, the event kicked off with welcoming
remarks by Mr. Ivan Vera, Senior Advisor, UN DESA. The panel of experts from Morocco, UAE, Spain,
Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt presented existing initiatives on desalination systems powered with
renewable energy followed by a question and answer session with the participants.
Download Webinar Summary
Download Webinar Agenda
Concept Note
Panelist Presentations:
UNDESA
Opening Remarks
Morocco
Desalination & Renewables Perspectives Presentation
CRTSE Algeria Desalination Powered Renewable Energies Presentation
IDWT Renewable Resources for Desalination Presentation
SONEDE
Tunisia Desalination Presentation
Gran Canaria Water Council Response to Climate Emergency Presentation
Environment Agency Powering Desalination through Solar Energy
Presentation
Meeting of the Members of the Global Network on Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions
On 25 March 2021, the Global Network of Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions virtually convened with the objective to update Network members of completed activities in 2020 and discuss the upcoming workplans for 2021-2023. The meeting was moderated by UNDESA with participation from representatives of 12 member organizations. UNDESA provided detailed overviews of the tentative workplans for each of the upcoming years, including primary focus areas and proposed activities that will help maintain the Network continuity supporting integrated water and energy solutions worldwide. Member representatives each indicated their future contributions, recommendations for the Network and next steps moving forward.
Download Meeting Summary
Download Meeting Presentation
Course on Management for Territorial Sustainability
E-learning Course | 18 January 2021
ITAIPU Binacional and Parque Tecnológico Itaipu (PTI-BR) are hosting the “Management for Territorial Sustainability Course” for English speaking participants as part of the International School for Sustainability (EIS), an educational initiative developed by both institutions. This course is free of charge and as an e-learning course, participants can go through classes at own page creating their own learning experiences. Classes begins on 18 January 2021 and the registration deadline is 10 January 2021. For more information and registration, please go to Parque Tecnológico Itaipu’s website or download the information flyer provided here.
Regional Capacity Development Event Latin America and the Caribbean – Integrated Water and Energy Systems Supporting a Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19
15 December 2020 | Virtual Webinar
On 15 November 2020, DESA/DSDG in collaboration with ECLAC and the Global Sustainable Water and Energy
Solutions Network organized a regional capacity development webinar with a focus on Latin America and
the Caribbean: "Integrated Water and Energy Systems Supporting a Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19."
Moderated by Mr. Ivan Vera, Senior Advisor, UN DESA, the event kicked off with welcoming remarks by Ms.
Silvia Saravia, Economic Affairs Officer, ECLAC. Following an introductory session by a technical
consultant from ECLAC, experts from Paraguay, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Ecuador led an interactive panel
discussion featuring experiences, methodologies and innovative solutions designed to ensure the
efficient and effective use of water and energy resources.
Download
Webinar
Agenda
Download
Webinar Summary
Panelist Presentations:
ITAIPU
Binacional Presentation
Climate
Change Research Institution Presentation
ENERGÉTICA
Presentation
ECLAC Integrated
Water and
Energy Systems for Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19
ECLAC
Methodological Guide on Water-Energy and Food Nexus Design and Actions
FEATURED CASE STUDIES
Location: Guatemala
Activities by the Guatemala Sugar Agroindustry supporting the Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
See Case Study
Location: Mauritius
CLEW Case Study: Assessing Interdependencies among Energy, Water, Land-Use and Climate Change in Mauritius
See Case Study
FEATURED PUBLICATIONS
2020 Annual Report of the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network
The importance of energy and water and their strong interdependence have become more evident during the
COVID-19 world crisis of 2020. In light of the terrible consequences resulting from the COVID-19
pandemic, sustainable water, and energy solutions are viewed as a necessary response during this world
health crisis and beyond. This report highlights the commitment of the Sustainable Water and Energy
Solutions Network’s vision working towards a world where there is equitable and sustainable use and
management of water and energy resources for all, in support of human well-being, ecosystem integrity,
and a robust, inclusive economy under the umbrella of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Download
the 2020 Annual Report of the Global Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network
Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions: Addressing Critical Services during the COVID-19 World Crisis and Beyond
07 July 2020
The Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network is developing a Global Knowledge Platform with a
view to collect information on activities, case studies and systems being implemented or planned
using an integrated approach to water and energy challenges. The main objective of this scoping
paper is to provide preliminary recommendations for the possible scope, priority content, structure
and operational mechanisms of the envisioned Global Knowledge Platform.
Download
the Scoping Paper here
The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2020
Convened by UN DESA, the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2020 seeks to provide an overview of SDG implementation and efforts. The report focuses and brings together areas of progress and areas where action is still needed, to ensure that no one is left behind and highlights key areas and initial impacts in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access Report.Download the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2020
