BLUE PLANET Berlin Water Dialogues 2024: Reshaping Our Cities with Urban Water Resilience
The BLUE PLANET Berlin Water Dialogues are back on November 28, 2024, bringing together international experts and thought leaders to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: Urban Water Resilience. As cities across the globe face mounting climate challenges, this year’s conference will focus on innovative strategies and solutions that rethink traditional infrastructure and embrace a resilient, sustainable future.
An Unmissable Lineup of Keynote Speakers
We are excited to announce an outstanding roster of keynote speakers who will share their expertise and vision on creating resilient urban water systems:
Will Sarni (Earth Finance, Water Foundry Ventures)
Will Sarni, Practice Lead for Water and Nature at Earth Finance, will kick off the session on Infrastructure and Digitalization. With decades of experience in water strategy and innovation, Sarni’s keynote will dive into how digital technologies and decentralized solutions can enhance urban infrastructure, tackle water scarcity, and ensure equitable access to water. His extensive background as a sustainability advisor and founder of Water Foundry Ventures positions him as a leading voice in shaping future-ready water solutions.
Dr. Darla Nickel (Berlin Rainwater Agency) & Dr. Carlo W. Becker (bgmr Landschaftsarchitekten)
Opening the conference with insights on the Sponge City concept, Dr. Darla Nickel and Dr. Carlo W. Becker will explore how decentralized rainwater management can transform urban environments. Dr. Nickel, Director of the Berlin Rainwater Agency, will present practical applications of the Sponge City model, focusing on local rainwater storage and infiltration techniques that reduce pressure on traditional urban systems. Dr. Becker, Managing Partner of bgmr Landschaftsarchitekten, will complement this with his expertise in sustainable urban planning and climate adaptation.
Aklilu Fikresilassie, PhD (World Resources Institute Africa)
Concluding the event, Aklilu Fikresilassie, PhD, Director of the Thriving Resilient Cities program at WRI Africa, will present a keynote on Data-Driven Strategies for Urban Water Resilience. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in urban development and environmental policy, Dr. Fikresilassie will discuss scalable solutions that transcend political boundaries, offering insights into how data and technology can support resilient water systems. His deep understanding of urban water challenges in Africa will provide a unique and invaluable perspective for global attendees.
Exploring Key Themes: Urban Planning and Digital Innovation
This year’s event will focus on two main themes that are critical for building resilient cities:
- Urban Planning: Innovative approaches to sustainable city design, featuring real-world examples of the Sponge City concept and other green infrastructure solutions that enhance urban resilience against climate impacts.
- Infrastructure and Digitalization: A look into the future of urban infrastructure, exploring how digital tools and data-driven strategies can optimize water systems, enhance resource management, and support climate adaptation efforts.
Interactive Discussions and Project Pitches
In addition to keynote presentations, the program will include panel discussions and project pitches, providing an in-depth look at climate-friendly urban development initiatives from across Europe. The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan (Hof University of Applied Sciences), focusing on the need for urban transformation in response to extreme rainfall events.
A second panel, introduced by Dr. Nicolas Caradot (Berlin Centre of Competence for Water), will highlight visionary models for resilient infrastructure, showcasing cutting-edge projects that leverage digital tools for improved water management.
Don’t Miss Out – Register for Free!
Join us online on November 28, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM CET, to gain insights from industry leaders, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to reshaping our cities for a resilient future.
Participation is free of charge.