The concept of ‘Water Identity’ was introduced by the Young Water Professionals Ambassador during her keynote speech at the AIWW Summit 2018. The concept combines personal elements (e.g. culture, background, ethnicity etc.) with the professional ambition/interest of the water professionals. The latter is defined through the four themes of Water Security, as defined by the United Nations. During the Summit, Water Identity cards were filled in by the attending professionals. The data gathered will be used in the preparation of a project to communicate across major water events worldwide and to present outcomes during the AIWW 2019.
The aim of the Water Identity is dual:
- by focusing on a combination of personal heritage and professional interest, we are able to understand what shapes us as water professionals, define our common motives and goals and, finally, connect through sharing;
- by using a simple form to communicate who we are, our community can have an understanding of the current status of the field (in terms of available expertise), therefore allow for identifying the missing links for a water secure world.
From a broad perspective, focusing on water heritage and expertise profiles across the world will enable the water professionals community to obtain a broad picture of the ways water may shape a region, a country, a civilisation, everyday practices and customs. This cross-cultural exchange would aim to improve the understanding of water identities as they are shaped across time and space scales. It will also inform discussions for the lessons learnt and transferred across countries and continents, serving as a vehicle towards the goals of: effective collaboration and water security.