ISLAMABAD: Speakers on Wednesday stressed the need for on promoting sustainable management of water resources through public-private partnerships.

They also spoke about critical issues related to the water crisis in Pakistan, including access to safe drinking water, sustainable water management, private sector engagement in water stewardship, and the role of technology and innovation in addressing water challenges.

The event was organised by PepsiCo Pakistan to celebrate World Water Day 2023 with an aim to raise awareness about the importance of water and sanitation.

According to a statement, apanel discussion on ‘Accelerating Collaboration for a Net Water Positive Future’ was participated by Arif Jabbar Khan (country head, WaterAid), Dr Shafqat Munir Ahmed (director of Resilient Development Programme SDPI), Maha Qasim (founder of Zero-Point Partners) and Dr Abubakr Mohammad (director of WIT Lums).

Dr Abubakr Mohammad said: “Leveraging the power of industry-academia linkages and information-driven technologies for water issues in Pakistan will surely acceleratetransformation in water conservation and use. ”

Speaking on the occasion, Eugene Willemsen said: Water is a critical resource for business. It is, therefore, a strong imperative for food producers like us to follow through a net water positive vision and ensure that water resources are in a better state due to our presence, achieve sustainable water security, replenish more water than we use and support collaborative solutions to reduce water stress at the local community-level.”

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2023