Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly 77 (UNGA77)

Water management is one of the most essential environmental services provided by local governments to their citizens. Reliable access to clean and safe water and sanitation services is considered a human right. But it’s not because we call water management an “environmental service” that it’s not a challenge for cities to develop more sustainable and integrated ways to provide and protect this crucial resource.

In a context of aging public infrastructure, increased water scarcity, increased urbanization and climate crisis, what are the tools needed by the cities to incorporate environmental and social sciences in the way they manage water? How can engineers and academic researchers contribute so that sustainable development becomes an integral part of urban water management? How should we train the new generation of engineers and other professional working in water management to face environmental and social challenges?
To guide us in this transition through a new management of urban waters, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a key framework. SDGs highlight the importance of taking actions right now on crucial issues like ensuring access to water and sanitation for all (Goal 6) and to do so by adopting strategies that also address social needs and protect the environment.

In addition to the SDGs, we also need partnerships bringing together local governments, civil society, businesses, and universities to develop and adopt solutions that are truly sustainable. The new Sustainable Engineering Institute launched by Polytechnique Montréal is an example of collaborative initiative designed to promote sustainable innovation in urban water management.