Environment & Water Leaders Forum

Jointly organised by the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) and the CleanEnviro Summit Singapore (CESS), the Environment & Water Leaders Forum (EWLF) on the afternoon of Monday, 9 Jul 2018, is a dedicated platform for world experts and leaders from government, industry and international organisations to share insights on cross-disciplinary environmental and water policies; governance issues; emerging challenges; and examining the respective roles of key stakeholders in co-creating liveable and sustainable cities of the future.

The discussions at the Environment & Water Leaders Forum will focus on the theme “Closing the Loop - Catalysing a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”

Today’s rapid urbanisation and population growth have put our finite natural resources under pressure. There is an even stronger impetus now more than ever to manage resources such as materials and water in a sustainable and resilient way. One model that is increasingly accepted globally is the circular economy, where resources can be continually cycled and reused; forming a closed loop system that designs out waste, reduces water and energy usage, and encourages resource efficiency. A circular economy model that makes better use of the finite resources can unlock business opportunities and allow companies to do more with less. Is circular economy gaining traction in both the public and private spheres? How are leaders and experts from the government, business and international organisations taking action to shape the economy, bring circularity into our lives and safeguard a sustainable future?

In this 120-minutes session, experts and leaders from the government, business and international organisations will share their views on the foundations of a circular economy, and how sustainable water and materials management can support global climate goals as outlined in the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Speakers

Mr Masagos Zulkifli
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources,
Singapore

Her Excellency Patricia Espinosa
Executive Secretary,
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Mr Ahmed Aboutaleb
Mayor of Rotterdam,
Netherlands

Mr Masatoshi Akimoto
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism,
Japan

Mr David Newman
President,
World Biogas Association

Mr Neil McGregor
Group President & CEO,
Sembcorp Industries

Professor Tommy Koh
Moderator,
Ambassador-at-Large,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore