Water is fundamental for human beings, as 60% of our bodies are made up of it. Cities, industries, and agriculture depend on it. Yet, 40% of the world’s population is affected by water scarcity. Some 80% of untreated wastewater is discharged into the environment, and more than 90% of disasters are water-related.
The Water Conference 2023 was held at the UN Headquarters in New York from March 22-24. Tajikistan and the Netherlands were the conferences’ host governments. The conference had 6 plenary sessions and 5 interactive dialogues. Gabriela Rodas Urruela, Project Manager, and Erick Melgar, General Manager, participated on behalf of Progreso X.
Precisely, the 2021 Exponential Changemakers was focused on water, specifically on finding the best technologies for water capture, purification, and management. This Progreso X program worked Innovation Loops with startups: Remote Waters and MetroPolder.
These startups proposed creative solutions that offer a water catchment system with smart taps (MetroPolder) and a water purification system (Remote Waters).
Water is considered an indispensable resource to achieve any other goal as it underpins poverty reduction, good health, economic growth, and ecosystems. Despite all these challenges, water presents a great opportunity. It can be a starting point for a green economy, climate resilience, and a more sustainable and inclusive world.
Progreso has a positive track record regarding water treatment, cleaning, and consumption. Some of its projects include cleaning the Motagua River in Guatemala, wetland processes for wastewater treatment, and even reforestation programs in different communities.
The Conference’s vision was that we all fundamentally understand, value, and use water more efficiently. In addition, we must take action to achieve goals and targets which were internationally agreed upon, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. #ActionForWater #GlobalGoals
