World Water Academy Champions Skills Development at Water Knowledge Europe 2025 in Warsaw

Warsaw, Poland – May 2025
World Water Academy made a strong impression at this year’s Water Knowledge Europe (WKE2025) event in Warsaw, bringing its expertise and dedication to water education to the forefront of European water innovation efforts. World Water Academy, represented by CEO Gabrielle Knufman, added valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue around the future of water skills and human capital in the sector.

From Pipes to Pixels: Building a Water-Smart Workforce

A key highlight of the event was the “From Pipes to Pixels” workshop, spearheaded by the Expert Group Skills and Human Resources, with Gabrielle Knufman acting as mentor and organizer. Together with collaborators Bram Ooms, Naomi Timmer, and Jean-Francois Gerard, the team designed a dynamic and forward-thinking session focused on the importance of skills development and lifelong learning for water professionals across Europe. Participants explored how digitalization and human capacity-building must go hand in hand to build a Water-Smart Europe. The workshop emphasized that human resource investment is equally vital as technological innovation when it comes to solving 21st-century water challenges.

A Collective Push for the Water Resilience Strategy

Over the course of three vibrant days, more than 100 water professionals gathered for collaborative sessions, workshops, and strategic meetings. The event was held under the patronage of #POLAND25EU, with key support from Magdalena Rzeczkowska and her team. The opening day featured public workshops by Expert Groups and Communities of Practice, creating a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange, problem-solving, and co-creation of innovative solutions. The second day marked the launch of the #BlueDealCongress, a momentous occasion spotlighting the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy. This policy will set the direction for sustainable, secure water management across the continent.

A European Effort with Lasting Impact

World Water Academy’s presence underscored its commitment to equipping current and future generations with the skills they need to tackle water-related challenges. Through its leadership in education and professional training,  World Water Academy aimes to serve as a catalyst for transformation in the European water sector.

As Europe prepares for an increasingly complex water future, initiatives like WKE2025 ensure that human talent remains at the heart of the solution.