As president of the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.), it’s been an absolute privilege to travel throughout North America and across the world to represent WEF’s interests. This past year, I have had the honor of engaging our members and connecting with our strategic partner organizations.

Most of WEF’s efforts focus on supporting members’ search for solutions to infrastructure investments and water quality improvements in the U.S. But we also must acknowledge our role and responsibility to support the broader community of water professionals solving global issues. While we in the U.S. seem to debate affordability and cost of service, other locations around the world focus the message on water as a basic right for public health and economic security.

The value-of-water messaging of international organizations seems universally aligned and is encouraging. Several international conferences that I attended during the past year shared the common theme of creating lasting solutions to meet the United Nations’ (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals. In 2015, many countries adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Governments, businesses, organizations, and civil society have started to mobilize efforts to achieve this agenda. It calls for action by all countries to improve the lives of people everywhere.

I encourage all water professionals to join in helping meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and promote a shared vision for water. I also hope that WEF members will work to focus messaging on the Value of Water Campaign and efforts to create a sustainable supply of clean water for the future.

Excerpted from WEF Highlights, August 17, 2017 “From the President.” Read the entire article.

Rick Warner (far left) with 2016-2017 WEF Board