World Water Week 2025: Water For Climate Action

World Water Week (24th – 28th Aug) is an annual conference bringing awareness to critical water insecurity issues and advocating for collective action for positive change.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending World Water Week in Stockholm on behalf of Beyond Water. The theme this year – Water for Climate Action – could not have been more timely. Just days before the event, The Guardian published an article highlighting the growing vulnerability of Malawian communities to climate change and the direct impacts on water security. For us, this is not an abstract conversation: the reality of prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall is already felt in the communities we serve.

Carbon Finance

A central focus of the week was on carbon finance – both the challenges of structuring credible projects and the opportunities to deliver transformative impact if done well. The consensus was clear: no single organisation can achieve this alone. Collective action, shared standards, and long-term commitment are essential if we are to unlock the potential of carbon markets for water and climate resilience.

Sustainable Water Solutions

It was also encouraging to see professional service providers, like Beyond Water, increasingly recognised as part of the mainstream discourse. The sector is moving beyond short-term fixes towards sustainable models of supply and management – and it is gratifying to see our work in Malawi reflected in that shift.

Takeaways

Of course, World Water Week is also about the people. It was a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and exchange ideas in the cafés of Stockholm. These conversations are often where partnerships are sparked and we have plenty to take back with us as we pursue growth of Beyond Water in Malawi through partnership.

As we return to our work in Malawi, we do so with renewed energy and conviction. Climate change is reshaping the way water must be managed – and the path forward will require innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and models that can deliver sustainable impact at scale. Beyond Water will continue to contribute to all three of these vital areas. If you’d like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Written by James Kitt

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