SIWW SPOTLIGHT 2025-IAHR2025 PROSPECTUS
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High-Level Panels

High Level Panels

TUESDAY - THURSDAY, 24 - 26 JUNE 2025
Room 1

The SIWW-IAHR High Level Panels, co-organised with SIWW Spotlight for both SIWW Spotlight 2025 and IAHR2025 Singapore delegates, will feature high-level panellists who will present case studies and solutions on how industry can provide access to knowledge, technology and innovation to support the transformation of cities to become more climate resilient.

TUESDAY, 24 JUNE 2025

9.00 AM – 10.30 AM Panel 1 – Climate-Resilient Cities: The Pivotal Role of Water

Water plays a pivotal role in various urban systems, contributing to the resilience of cities in the face of climate change. In transportation, water management systems—such as stormwater infrastructure and flood barriers—ensure that roads, railways, and public transport networks remain functional during extreme weather events. In the energy sector, water is essential for cooling systems in power plants and for the production of hydroelectric energy, making efficient water use and management key to maintaining energy security. In housing and buildings, water-efficient technologies like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling reduce dependence on freshwater sources, while green roofs and permeable surfaces mitigate heat islands and promote stormwater absorption. In public health, access to clean water and effective sanitation systems are critical for preventing waterborne diseases, especially during flood events. By integrating water into these urban systems—through nature-based solutions, infrastructure enhancements, and policy innovations— cities can strengthen their climate resilience and become more liveable.
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Networking Morning Coffee Break
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Panel 2 – Flood-Resilient Cities: How do we get there?

Improving city resilience to floods and extreme weather events requires a comprehensive approach that combines infrastructure enhancements, proactive urban planning, and community engagement. Cities must invest in robust drainage systems, flood barriers, and climate-adaptive buildings, while incorporating green solutions like permeable surfaces, urban forests, and restored wetlands to manage stormwater and reduce flood risks. Early warning systems, coupled with well-defined emergency preparedness plans, are crucial for minimising damage and protecting lives. Strategic zoning regulations and sustainable land-use practices help prevent development in flood-prone areas, while community-based resilience initiatives ensure that residents are informed and prepared. By leveraging data, advanced modeling, and fostering collaboration across sectors, cities can strengthen their capacity to withstand extreme weather, and ultimately creating safer environments for their communities.

WEDNESDAY, 25 JUNE 2025

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Panel 3 – Empowering a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition: The Strategic Role of Hydropower
Convenor: Itaipu Binacional

Hydropower stands out as a renewable, low-carbon energy source, playing an important role in driving a just and inclusive energy transition. Not only does it significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate climate change, but its operational flexibility is essential for balancing the intermittency of other renewables such as solar and wind, ensuring a stable and resilient grid.

For this development to be truly sustainable, it is crucial to integrate social and environmental dimensions into every phase of the energy transition. A just transition must ensure that all communities—especially those historically marginalized—benefit from the shift toward clean energy. This inclusive approach calls for open dialogue on innovative technologies, governance strategies, and practices that minimize socio-environmental impacts while fostering equity and social justice.

At the IAHR World Congress high-level panel, industry leaders from major power companies, pioneers in sustainability initiatives, and renowned experts will come together to explore how hydropower can serve as a catalyst for an energy transition that is both environmentally responsible and socially just. Through a dynamic exchange of experiences and perspectives, participants will gain comprehensive insights into the pathways toward a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive energy future.

Join us for this essential debate on the future of sustainable energy. Engage with experts, decision-makers, and industry professionals at the IAHR high-level panel and help shape the transformative role of hydropower in advancing a just and inclusive energy transition that benefits everyone.

THURSDAY, 26 JUNE 2025

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Panel 4 – From Digital Acceleration to Real-World Impact: Scaling Innovation in Water Engineering
Convenor: Suez

Digital transformation is reshaping the water sector, unlocking new possibilities for sustainable and resilient water management.

This session will spotlight real-world use cases demonstrating how cutting-edge technologies—such as AI, IoT, digital twins, and big data analytics—are driving efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience in hydro-environment engineering.

Beyond current applications, we will explore emerging trends shaping the future of water engineering, from autonomous systems to predictive analytics. Crucially, the session will address what policymakers and decision-makers should anticipate in this rapidly evolving landscape, ensuring that regulatory frameworks, investments, and governance structures align with the digital future of water management.

Join us to discover practical insights, strategic foresight, and policy considerations that will define the next chapter of digital transformation in the hydro-environment sector.