The significant lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation in Asia and the Pacific, water pollution, increased demand and the effects of climate change generate an annual investment deficit of 114 billion dollars. Although progress in water security in the region has been significant in recent years, we need the political will to increase financing, to ensure the right environment for private investments to flow, and to improve governance and integrated water resources management.
In this latest issue of Smart Water Magazine Bimonthly, we look at Asia and the Pacific. We dedicate the cover to Neeta Pokhrel, Chief of the Water Sector Group at the Asian Development Bank, with whom we had the opportunity to talk about the region's problems and the important role of multilateral institutions.
Smart Water Magazine Bimonthly 10 is a prime example that we have companies ready to solve the challenges described above. Companies that are managing services, building water treatment plants and developing technology throughout the world with excellent results, such as Acciona, Almar Water Solutions, Aqualia, Miya, Aganova and Indar.
Smart Water Magazine Bimonthly 10 is a prime example that we have companies ready to solve the challenges described above
Digital transformation is another of the challenges in Asia and the Pacific posed by Pokhrel but which can be extended to the whole world. Antonio Ibañez, Global Water Practice Director at Minsait, Jaime Barba, the CEO of Ídrica, and Amin Abdel Tawab, MEA Zone Segment Director at Schneider Electric, agree in pointing to digitalization and innovation as key tools to deepen our knowledge of water resources and increase efficiency in their management, very much needed in a scenario of population growth and climate change.
Over the last two years, the COVID pandemic has put to the test a sector that has responded outstandingly and continues to work towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Over the coming year, we will continue to discuss all these developments with the sector's decision-makers. See you in 2022.
