From Vision to Reality: Sustaining Water Resources through Innovation, Integration, and Inclusive Practices in Eastern and Southern Africa
Keynote Address at the 25th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium
By: World Vision Senior Director WASH Global Operations: Dr Fungai Makoni
Honourable Minister of Education, Minister Responsible for Natural Resources, Vice Chancellor National University of Lesotho, SADC Representative, Executive secretary GWP- SA, esteemed guests, Colleagues and partners, Good morning!
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished guests,
It is both a privilege and a heartfelt moment for me to stand before you today at this historic 25th WaterNet Symposium. This milestone brings back memories of when WaterNet was just a concept, 25 years ago, and I had the privilege to be part of its inception. Today, we stand here as witnesses to its growth, maturity, and contribution to water resource management in our regions. I have witnessed WaterNet’s transformation and growth from a small gathering of passionate water sector professionals to a formidable platform that now leads the region in driving change.
Over the past two and a half decades, WaterNet has been a beacon of collaboration, research, and innovation, bringing together policymakers, academics, practitioners, and various stakeholders in a shared mission. From its early days to now, I have seen it grow from strength to strength, addressing regional challenges and gaps while promoting best practices and sustainable water management strategies. WaterNet has grown from strength to strength, fostering invaluable collaborations and shaping the future of water resource management across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Our theme today, "Enhancing Sustainability: Upscaling Innovations and Best Practices for Integrated Catchment and Water Resources Management (ICWRM) in Eastern and Southern Africa – Leaving No One Behind," speaks volumes about the critical times we live in and the bold actions we must take.
Reflecting on the Journey:
Over the past two decades, we have faced numerous challenges—rapid urbanization, climate change, population growth, and increasing demand for water and sanitation services. Yet, what stands out is our resilience, our determination to adapt, innovate, and find solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also secure the future for generations to come. WaterNet has contributed immensely of these efforts, convening thought leaders and practitioners who have collectively shaped policies, implemented technologies, and driven forward integrated water resource management practices.
Upscaling Innovations and Best Practices:
As we look to the future, the task ahead is clear: we must scale up innovations that have proven effective and adopt new technologies that enhance water supply, sanitation services, and sustainable resource management. The sub-themes of this symposium—ranging from innovative approaches to water governance, to addressing the water-energy-food nexus, and creating climate-resilient pathways—are all interconnected. They require us to act boldly, ensuring that our solutions are inclusive, scalable, and sustainable.
At World Vision, we have seen firsthand how innovative solutions, Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a low-cost land restoration technique used to combat poverty and hunger, early warning systems- such as…. have transformed communities. We have invested heavily in ensuring that water services are resilient and affordable, while integrating cutting-edge technologies to drive efficiency and impact.
The Role of Partnerships and Collaboration:
None of this progress would be possible without partnerships. Over the years, collaboration has been at the heart of our efforts. Whether through our work with governments, private sector partners, academic institutions, or local communities, we have learned that sustainable change is only achievable when we work together.
Water governance is another critical pillar, ensuring that all stakeholders—especially marginalized communities—have a voice in decision-making processes. The adoption of integrated water resource management (IWRM) frameworks has been essential, but we must continue to refine these models and create governance systems that are truly participatory, equitable, and efficient.
Empowering the Voices of Children—Our Future Leaders:
As we strive to leave no one behind, it is essential to highlight a crucial aspect of sustainability—the voices of children. At World Vision, we prioritize the involvement of children in our programs. They are not just as participants; they are agents of change, and their voices must be heard in shaping the future. Children today are tomorrow's leaders, and their perspective on water resources management, Water supply, sanitation, and environmental stewardship will determine the path we take as a global community.
It is their future we are building, and their participation is not only invaluable but essential to ensuring sustainable outcomes. Let us remember that empowering children is not just about providing services; it is about equipping them with the tools and platforms to lead. As we continue our work, we must ask ourselves—are we creating spaces for children to contribute meaningfully to the decisions that impact them?
Looking Forward:
In conclusion, as we continue to address the challenges we face compounded by climate change ( Elino, Elina etc), the road ahead is complex, together, we have the tools, knowledge, and innovation to ensure sustainable water management is maintained and let us do so with a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Let us ensure that no one is left behind—neither the marginalized, the underrepresented, nor the children who will inherit the outcomes of our actions today.
This 25th WaterNet symposium is a milestone, but it is also a reminder that our work is far from done. Together, we can build a future where water resources are managed sustainably, where innovations are shared and scaled, and where the voices of all—especially our future leaders—are heard and valued.
I Thank you.