Water Resilience In and Beyond Europe: Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation, Innovation and Global Leadership

This workshop will explore the international dimension of water resilience, positioning Ecomondo as a key Euro-Mediterranean platform for dialogue, cooperation, and innovation. A strong focus will be placed on international research and innovation projects, highlighting their role in developing, testing, and scaling up sustainable water solutions across regions. In this context, the session will showcase EU-funded R&I projects and flagship initiatives such as the Global Gateway and the Union for the Mediterranean. The session will also look ahead to the UN Water Conference 2026, emphasizing the importance of water diplomacy in addressing shared challenges and fostering strategic partnerships. Particular attention will be given to strengthening the global competitiveness of EU water technologies, supporting industrial leadership, technology transfer, and market uptake through research-driven innovation. Innovative financing mechanisms, including nature credits and blended finance, will be discussed as tools to unlock investments and support the scaling of results emerging from research and innovation actions. The workshop will further reflect on the evolution of the European and Mediterranean Innovation Action, reinforcing collaboration between research institutions, industry, and public authorities. Overall, the session aims to position Ecomondo as a strategic hub connecting European and Mediterranean stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on international R&I collaboration, driving innovation, investment, and policy alignment in the global water agenda.

Session Chairs

Sergio Ponsa Salas, Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee (STC) and BETA Technological Centre
Evina Katsou, Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee (STC) and Imperial College London
Francesco Fatone, Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee (STC) and Università Politecnica delle Marche
Luca Lucentini, Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee (STC) and Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Italy

Program 

Introduction by the Chairs

Opening High-Level Panel: European Strategies and International Cooperation for Water Research and Innovation

Speeches selected from the Call for Papers

Closure by the Chairs