Sweden: Siltanews – News Desk
UNU, Sweden & SIWI hosted experts on water for climate action, announcing World Lake Day & affirming Japan-Sweden ties for sustainability.
On 16 May 2025, the United Nations University (UNU), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Japan and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), co-hosted a high-level seminar on “Water as Enabler for Climate Action and the Future Society of Our Lives” at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The event brought together distinguished guests, including His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and experts from academia, government, and the private sector. The dialogue underscored the vital role of water in addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development, while reaffirming the strategic partnership between Sweden and Japan.
Welcoming remarks and scene-setting by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General, and Dr. Thomas Rebermark, Director of the Swedish Water House framed the discussion on the urgency of integrated water management. Rector Marwala emphasized the shared leadership of Sweden and Japan in fostering scientific exchange, stating “This seminar is a powerful affirmation of both the enduring bonds between your nations and the United Nations, and the indispensable role of international cooperation in addressing the complex challenges of our time”.
H.E. Viktoria Li, Ambassador of Sweden to Japan, highlighted the deepening collaboration between Sweden and Japan, referencing the December 2024 Strategic Partnership agreement and shared values in innovation, sustainability, and climate action. She reflected on the longstanding tradition of scientific cooperation between the countries, remarking “It is no coincidence that water management has long been a significant focus of scientific research in both of our nations”.
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rebermark explored water-based climate solutions. Panelists were Dr. Ingemarsson, Prof. Oki, Mr. Erixon, Mr. Seta, and Prof. Kaveh Madani (UNU-INWEH). Discussion topics included integrated approaches; links between water governance, sustainability, and social justice; “virtual water” and the protection of local communities; policy stability for industrial sustainability; and embedding water stewardship in business models.
Closing remarks from Dr. Rebermark reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and international cooperation for a resilient, water-secure future, describing water as a “connector of nations, disciplines, actors, and generations”.