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Accelerating Water and Climate Action at COP26

To tackle the climate crisis, we have to tackle the water crisis. Join this panel event as part of World Water Week @ Home to hear more about the UK's vision ahead of COP26. UK Government Minister Zac Goldsmith heads up a panel chaired by Dr. John Matthews from the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (AGWA).

The climate crisis is a water crisis. This event will highlight the global water crisis and the UK's response in the context of climate change and Covid-19, as well as some of the actions and commitments needed before and at the climate negotiations during COP26.

Broad partnerships are needed to tackle the water and climate crisis. A panel of experts from civil society, private sector and government will discuss water and climate from the perspectives of accountability, finance and business.

The panel includes:

Minister Goldsmith, the UK's Minister of State for the Pacific and the Environment. The Minister's responsibilities include climate change, environment and conservation, and biodiversity.

Dr John Matthews, the Executive director and co-founder of AGWA. John led the first-ever global water-climate dialogue at a COP and recent projects included leading a team of experts to develop green and climate bond resilience criteria for water infrastructure.

Sareen Malik, Executive Secretary of the African Civil Society Network for Water and Sanitation. Sareen is also the Vice Chair of the Steering Committee, SWA Partnership. Her work focuses on working with NGOs to meaningfully engage in the water sector, mobilising around the call to action that good water governance is the key to improved sector performance.

Sasja Beslik, Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Finance at Bank J. Safra Sarasin Ltd. Sasja is a Swedish and international financial expert known for promoting financial sustainability across the world. He has been with J. Safra Sarasin since 2019.

The programme includes a moderated Q&A, with attendees able to post questions to panelists live during the event.

Joining instructions will be sent via email on Sunday 23rd August to everyone who has registered for this event.

Relevant water and climate resources including research reports and graphics can be accessed here.