We're excited to share the success of our Water Conference, held on October 22nd, 2024, at MIT World Peace University, Pune. This joint initiative by Wilo Foundation, Wilo India, TERRE Policy Centre, and Global Nature Fund convened experts to tackle urban water challenges. The conference began with inaugural addresses by Dr. Ratnadip Joshi (Former Associate Dean, MIT – WPU), Dr. Vinita Apte (Founder & Director, TERRE Policy Centre), Evi Hoch (Executive Board Memberof the Wilo Foundation), Mr. Hemant Watve (Managing Director and CEO, Wilo Mather & Plant Pumps Private Limited), Mr. Prakash Javadekar (Chairperson of National Tiger Conservation Authority of India), followed by expert insights on smart urban areas, urban development challenges, and water security. A panel discussion on water sustainability featured Prof. Ajay A. Deshpande (Adjacent Professor, Ashank Desai Centre for Policy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay), Mr. Sunil Murlidhar Shastri (Consultant, Educator and Speaker in Ocean and Environment Governance), Dr. Jayati Chourey ( Executive Director, South Asia Consortium for Interdisiplinary Water Resources Studies, SaciWaters), and Dr. Vinod Bodhankar (Co-founder, Co-Director Sagarnitra Abhiyan), while innovative solutions were presented by Prof. D.S. Bhatkhande Director (Water Quality Centre of Excellence, Vishwakarma University), and Ms. Tanuja Khadke (D.Y. Patil University, BAMS Student). The Smart Sponge Region project was showcased by Ms. Jasmin Rose Mundackal (Scientific research assistant, University of Applied Science, Hof, Germany) and Prof. Muller-Czygan (Hof University). The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Nitin Asalkar (Vice-President – HR at Wilo Mather and Platt Pumps Pvt. Ltd.).
Alongside the Water Conference, a parallel session featuring a Mock Parliament was conducted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., organized by SACIwaters. The event saw active participation and engagement from MIT students, who took on diverse roles to debate and deliberate on water management policies and sustainable solutions. This dynamic session provided students with a hands-on experience in environmental policymaking, sparking in-depth discussions on critical water issues and empowering future leaders with insights into governance and sustainable development.
A Cartoon Exhibition focused on environmental awareness was also held at MIT World Peace University, (ground floor) organized by TERRE Policy Centre. The exhibition showcased a series of powerful car toons illustrating crucial environmental themes, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable practices, inspiring students to reflect on these pressing issues. Special guests from Wilo Foundation also attended, along with MIT students enriching the event with their insights and underscoring the role of art in raising environmental consciousness. This exhibition aimed to engage and educate the student community, encouraging them to take meaningful action for a sustainable future.
We appreciate the support of our partners: Wilo Foundation, Wilo India, TERRE Policy Centre, Global Nature Fund, and MIT World Peace University. Join our mission towards sustainable water management.
