“Recognizing the water cycle as a common good of humanity, strengthening cooperation between states and advancing blue diplomacy, addressing climate and humanitarian emergencies, promoting water digitalization and new forms of sustainable finance—these will be the core themes of the Rome Forum,” stated Marco Rago, Vice President of the One Water organizing committee and advisor for international cooperation to Foreign Minister Tajani. He spoke during the kick-off meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum held in Barcelona, ahead of the main event scheduled in Rome from September 29 to October 2. Rago emphasized the Forum’s inclusive nature, where “all opinions and visions will be welcomed and represented.”
Also present at the meeting was Roberta Toffanin, Special Advisor to the Minister of Environment, who highlighted “the Ministry’s strong interest and support for the initiative, which will place water at the center of public discourse. Beyond traditional topics, it will address risk prevention, disaster management, and community adaptation to new climate change scenarios.”
Delegates from over 30 countries participated in the discussions, which focused on the key themes to be explored during the five-day Forum in Rome: from drought mitigation to “sponge city” solutions for extreme weather events, from water credits to systems for improving water quality.
Alongside the Forum debates, the “Onewater Expo” will occupy 7,000 square meters of exhibition space at La Nuvola, the EUR convention center, showcasing proposals from companies, organizations, and international institutions. Many have already reserved their spots for what is shaping up to be the most significant participatory water event in the Mediterranean region for years to come.
“We will host special sessions on urban water challenges, discuss basin authorities with the International Network of Basin Organizations, and engage civil society in participatory projects and education for a new ‘water culture,’” explained Emilio Ciarlo, Director General of One Water. A dedicated track will focus on new European regulations and the Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy. “Our initiative has captured the attention of the EU, and in December we will be in Brussels with Marco Rago to organize this segment of the event in collaboration with Water Europe and Commission offices,” concluded Ciarlo.
