In Association With

• Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (CNRI), New Delhi
• Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, USA
• World Corrosion Organization 

Key Dignitaries

• Dr. Manisha Paliwal, Deputy Head, R&D Cell, SBUP 
• Dr. Binod Anand, Secretary General, CNRI 
• Mr. P. Chandrasekhar, DG Manager 
• Dr. Amitabh Kundu
• Mr. Dilip Bhai Shanghani  

Panel of Experts

• Ms. Elena Reiss (Lehigh University, USA)
• Dr. Damien Féron (Past President, World Corrosion Organization)
• Mr. Umashankar Pandey (Padmashri Awardee)
• Mr. Rakesh Arrawatia (IRMA)
• Dr. D.P. Singh (Federation of Community Radio Stations) 
• Mr. Pawan Payal (RKPA) 
• Mr. Kanishka (Nudge Foundation) 

Introduction

The webinar was organized in celebration of World Water Day and in alignment with the UN 2023 Water Conference. The event underscored the urgency of ensuring equitable access to clean water and called for multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). 

Theme

“Sustainable Utilization and Equal Access to Clean Water through International Research and Advocacy”

Concept Note

The session emphasized the global water crisis despite technological advancement, especially in underdeveloped and developing nations. With only 15–20% of the global population having access to clean drinking water, the webinar brought attention to how water scarcity and contamination have become pressing concerns impacting health, agriculture, climate change, and biodiversity. 

World Water Day Message 

UN-Water’s framework was discussed, including its goals to:

• Inform policies and address emerging water-related issues
• Support water/sanitation monitoring
• Inspire collaborative global action

Speakers highlighted how water plays a vital role in health, food security, industrial productivity, and climate resilience. 

SDG 6 Focus 

• Universal access to water and sanitation by 2030
• Water-cycle management and ecosystem restoration 
• Safeguarding livelihoods and adapting to climate-induced risks 

Key Discussions

• The interlinkages between SDG 6 and other global goals
• Increasing urbanization, COVID-19, and climate-induced water stress
• The need for cross-sectoral action and international cooperation 
• Governance mechanisms to improve water distribution and conservation  

Outcomes 

• Raised awareness on global and regional water equity challenges 
• Called for institutional collaboration between government, academia, and NGOs  
• Inspired student-led innovations in water conservation and environmental sustainability  

Conclusion

The webinar successfully brought together thought leaders, policy experts, researchers, and students to deliberate on solutions for global water challenges. It served as a platform for reinforcing the university’s commitment to the United Nations’ sustainability vision and fostering youth-led action in environmental advocacy.