L-R Dr. Arvind Kumar, President-India Water Foundation, Sh. OM Birla, Hon’ble Speaker-Lok Sabha
Water Transversality Global Awards & Conclave 2026 held at India International Centre, Bringing Global Focus on the Water–Energy–Health–Environment Nexus. Organized by India Water Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and supported by around 45 national and international partner organisations, commenced today at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
The Inaugural Session and Awards Ceremony, was graced by Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, as the Chief Guest. In his address Shri Birla emphasized the importance of sustainable development and global cooperation and noted that the organisations like India Water Foundation (IWF) are playing a significant role at the global level in addressing current water, energy, environment and climate change related challenges. He thanked Dr. Arvind Kumar for pioneering the transversality approach and specifically mentioned” I have attended numerous events on water, energy, and environmental issues individually, but this is the first time I am participating in a forum where these vital sectors are being examined together through an integrated and interconnected perspective.
Dr. Arvind Kumar, President of India Water Foundation, highlighted that Transversality approach represents an integrated and holistic framework that must guide policy formulation and governance. He emphasized that policies should not be designed in silos but should recognize the deep interconnections among water security, energy systems, environmental sustainability, and public health. Such an integrated approach, he noted, can strengthen resilience, improve resource efficiency, and ensure that development pathways simultaneously support ecological balance, economic growth, and human well-being.
The two-day international event, being held on 6–7 March 2026, brought together policymakers, global experts, industry leaders, development practitioners, and representatives from academia and civil society to deliberate during the International Conference on “ESG transversality and the interconnected Water–Energy–Health–Environment nexus.”
The conference opened with a high-level plenary session graced by Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of integrated water governance and the need for collaborative approaches to ensure water security and sustainability in the face of climate challenges.
A special address on ESG was delivered by Shri Harsh Malhotra, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Emphasising the importance of integrated sustainability frameworks, he noted that transversality is central to addressing the interconnected challenges of water, energy, health, and the environment.
The session also witnessed the release of the book Friday Epiphanies, authored by Dr. Arvind Kumar, President, India Water Foundation. Marking a significant milestone, a Special Postal Stamp Cover was also released by India Post to commemorate 18 years of the India Water Foundation’s contributions toward water sustainability,A environmental stewardship, and policy advocacy.
The conclave concluded with a valedictory session in the benign presence of His Holiness Sh. Lokesh Muniji, Founder, Vishwa shanti Kendra, Sh. Rakesh Jain, Akhil Bhartiya Sah Sanyojak, Paryavaran sanrakshan Gatividhi and Sh. R P Singh, National Spokesperson-BJP. Each of them reflected on how Indian culture has traditionally upheld water and nature as living entities, advocating their conservation and reminding us that mindful lifestyle choices like sustainable consumption can significantly contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
A major highlight of the conclave was the Water Transversality Global Awards, where 49 awardees from diverse sectors were honoured for their exemplary contributions to sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Among the distinguished awardees were Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Gujarat Urban Development Mission, Government of Gujarat, Dr Satya Tripathi, Secretary-General, Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, Dr. Eric Tardieu, Director General, International Office of Water, Sh. Rabi Mohtar, Governor , World Water council, the Rockefeller Foundation; Hindustan UniLever, Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Vikas Bhadouria, Senior Political Editor-NDTV, among several other leaders and institutions recognised for their impactful contributions.
It witnessed a large and enthusiastic participation from stakeholders representing government, academia, industry, civil society, and international organizations and concluded with a Reception Dinner and Fireside chat, featuring insightful discussions with distinguished leaders including Dr Satya Tripathi, Secretary-General, Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Shri Sampath Kumar, CEO, Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, Government of Meghalaya; The dialogue reflected on the role of governance, policy innovation, and global partnerships in advancing sustainability transitions. The Collaborating partners in organizing this event were- GNFCL, Govt, Of UP, Anondita Medicare, Govt, Of Meghalaya, Indian Oil, Gail India, BPCL, HPCL, AIESL. Institutional Partners were SMS Foundation, Sulabh International and knowledge partners- IUCN, UNOPS, ICID, ISID, Wetlands International, GASP, BBC Media Action, ICARS-IIT Roorkee.
