• WEF responded to the coronavirus pandemic with credible, fact-based, up-to-date information for the water sector, while emphasizing the critical role water professionals play as essential workers. We continue to provide the latest information at wef.org/coronavirus
• In the spring we launched Access Water, a portal that organizes information and technical content critical to the water sector into a single, central location. Access Water provides approximately 20,000 pieces of content-- learn more and explore at accesswater.org
• To raise public awareness about the vital role of water utilities and workers in the coronavirus response, we released a new WATER’S WORTH IT toolkit. Water professionals provided—and continue to provide-- essential services critical to minimizing disease spread, supporting medical care, conducting research and developing treatments. Take a look at the social media and email graphics here. To support WEF members  and the water sector, we developed a product line recognizing the fundamental role of clean water and the essential water professionals working on the front lines for public health. Proceeds from the line will be donated to Operators Without Borders.
• We collaborated with Nike and the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme to create a multilingual wastewater operations training program that aims to improve water and wastewater management and treatment throughout textile supply chains around the world. We are working together to evolve the WEF training manual, trainer’s kit, and exams to support ongoing training of wastewater operators.
• During the national conversation on race and equity sparked by the killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans, we pledged to do our part to address systems of inequity and to build a more inclusive water sector.
• We named Dr. Andrew Sanderson Chief Medical Officer. He will guide and assist WEF in providing reliable medical information to wastewater utility personnel, as well as conduct research and serve as a spokesperson on medical issues for the sector.
• In June we were thrilled to announce 2020 US Stockholm Junior Water Prize Winner Zoe Gotthold, whose project explored oil spill remediation. Her research earned her the Diploma of Excellence at the 2020 International SJWP Competition.
• We were proud to recognize the individuals and organizations that contribute to the sustainability of water and work to protect one of the world's most valuable resources. See the full list of 2020 WEF Award recipients at wef.org/awards. We also recognized the forward-thinking initiatives of 65 water utilities that are reimagining partnering & engagement, watershed stewardship, and resource recovery. The Utility of the Future Today program saw the most applicants and honorees this year.
• We convened a panel of experts to evaluate wastewater worker safety, and during the summer their findings determined that occupational risk of coronavirus infection for wastewater workers is low. The panel also recommended more research to further understand hazards and protections.
• To prepare for WEFTEC, we took a 24-hour virtual journey around the world to highlight the commitment of water professionals around the world to clean water and a sustainable future. And while we missed seeing you in person for WEFTEC, we were thrilled to create a digital place for water professionals to gather and continue our tradition of delivering premier water education and exhibitions. At a virtual ceremony during WEFTEC Connect, the WEF “gavel of leadership” was passed to Dr. Lynn Broaddus, who will lead the 2020-2021 Board of Trustees. The countdown has begun for WEFTEC 2021, and we are beyond excited to see you in Chicago!
• In October, the Brave Blue World documentary, which paints an optimistic picture of new technologies for a sustainable water future, premiered on Netflix. WEF is a production partner for the film, which is now available to 193 million worldwide Netflix subscribers and subtitled in 29 languages. Learn more at wef.org/braveblueworld.
• As WEF continued to focus on its role as a global water organization, we became an official partner of UN Water. UN Water coordinates the efforts of UN entities and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues. Learn more at http://wef.org/unwater.

We look forward to building on what we achieved together in 2020 and serving you in 2021!