The IDG Summit 2024 brought together a diverse range of voices and insights, highlighting the intersection of Inner Development Goals (IDGs) with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of the themes of the Summit was how reconnecting with water as a source of life—and fostering inner transformation—can lead to actionable, sustainable solutions.
Water and Inner Development
Prof. Michael Bach, a prominent voice on the panel moderated by Jamie Bristow on day 2 of the IDG Summit, delivered an impactful message on the necessity of reimagining our relationship with water. He emphasized several key points.
Prof. Bach stressed that water is the base layer of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without addressing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), progress on other goals is unattainable. Alarmingly, he shared that no progress has been made on SDG 6, with 10% regression reported globally. This urgent reality requires immediate and innovative action.
Despite decades of research and technical solutions, the lack of progress in water management reflects a deeper issue—an absence of collective will and inner development. Prof. Bach highlighted that fostering self-awareness and shared responsibility is essential. “It’s not a knowledge problem; it’s a doing problem!”, he noted, emphasizing the role of inner capacities like empathy, mindfulness, and collaboration in mobilizing change.
Water transcends boundaries—connecting upstream and downstream communities, cities, and ecosystems. Effective water management requires collaboration at all levels: local, regional, and global. Prof. Bach offered a simple yet profound example: every individual’s daily choices, such as the products used in a morning shower, impact downstream ecosystems.
Reflecting on his personal experiences in Sweden, where many lakes and rivers are safe to drink from, he envisioned a future where rivers worldwide are restored to a drinkable state. This vision aligns with the IDG Water Network’s mission to harmonize sustainable water management with inner transformation.
Water Innovation Project
The Impact Garden tool served as fertile ground for innovation, where participants collaboratively envisioned solutions to complex water challenges. Themes included deprivatization of water resources, leveraging Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and fostering a cultural mindset shift toward recognizing water as a shared public good. The powerful slogan, “Develop a Water-Conscious Society,” resonated throughout the discussions, reflecting our collective aspiration.
One notable initiative, the Water Innovation Project, spearheaded by Massamba Thioye, Klaus Mertens, and the IDG Water Network, emphasized integrating IDGs into water management. This holistic approach combines technical expertise with a deep respect for the cultural and emotional significance of water. The project’s “North Star” envisions thriving ecosystems and communities living harmoniously with nature.
From the in-person “Water Tables” in Stockholm -conducted by Klaus Mertens and Prof. Michael Bach- to the online “Water Breakout Rooms” worldwide -conducted Kristin Peters and Dr. Jens Kiesel-, diverse participants exchanged insights on topics like sustainable water management and crisis learning.
Key highlights included a mediation session on water led by Anoosh Sophie Werner, blending mindfulness practices with environmental consciousness, and actionable outcomes from discussions like community-driven water monitoring and education initiatives.
Next Steps for a Water-Conscious World
The outstanding participant engagement throughout these sessions reaffirmed the importance of accessible, inclusive forums for dialogue to discuss solutions for the #futuretopic of #water.
Key takeaways from the interactive sessions are:
- Strengthening Outreach and Engagement
A recurring theme was the need to connect more effectively with communities. Plans are underway to enhance outreach through targeted education programs, stakeholder mapping, and inspire local action. - Formalizing Support Networks
Recognizing the essential role of partnerships, the IDG Water Network is actively forging alliances with Indigenous organizations, NGOs, and industry leaders. These collaborations aim to blend expertise and resources for impactful, scalable solutions. - Piloting Real-World Applications
As a step toward implementation, the Water Innovation Project is identifying living labs to test its holistic water management strategies. This includes integrating IDG principles into municipal planning and fostering emotional connections to water within communities. - Celebrating and Amplifying Success Stories
The summit showcased transformative projects like community-led water rights advocacy in Chile and educational initiatives in Mexico. By amplifying these success stories, the IDG Water Network hopes to inspire replication and adaptation globally.
A Note of Gratitude
The water tables achievements were made possible both by the awesome workshop planning team (Laila Martins, Rachael Jacobs, Jannik Kaiser, Emily Johnston, Jamie Bristow) and the dedication of all its participants. From the vibrant discussions at the Impact Gardens to the candid reflections on areas for improvement, every voice added depth to the vision of a water-conscious world.
As we move forward, let us continue to nurture the seeds planted during the summit. Together, we can build a future where water is cherished, ecosystems flourish, and communities thrive.
For more insights and to join the conversation, visit our website at http://idg-water-net.org.
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