Weathering the Future: Integrated Water Resilience Approaches
25. June 11:15 - 12:30
Recent water related extreme events such as floods and droughts across Europe have highlighted the growing need to better connect short-term disaster response with long-term planning for water resilience. This session brings together local leaders, European institutions, and international experts to reflect on recent experiences and explore how to move towards more integrated approaches to water resilience.
Through contributions from on-the-ground practitioners and high-level speakers, the session will examine what has worked, what has not, and how these insights are being embedded into future strategies. The discussion will also explore how different levels of governance can work together more effectively to bridge emergency response, climate adaptation and water resilience.
The session will additionally highlight the role of European policy frameworks in supporting local action and offer a global perspective on disaster risk reduction. Participants will be invited to share their own experiences, strategies, and challenges in building more resilient water systems—ensuring that immediate recovery efforts contribute to long-term transformation.
Speakers
Global Director Resilience & Partnerships, Square Floating City company
Arnoud Molenaar, Global Director Resilience & Partnerships, Square Floating City company
After graduating in Physical Geography, Arnoud started his career with ambitious trainee posts and jobs abroad. As deputy head of the Rotterdam Water Management Department, he was responsible for the Waterplan2Rotterdam. In 2008, he was appointed Manager of the Rotterdam Climate Proof program. Arnoud is first editor of the book “Resilient Cities and Climate Adaptation Strategies” (2014). As Chief Resilience Officer, appointed in 2014, he was responsible for Rotterdam’s first and second Resilience Strategy (2016 and 2022). He joined the Global Center on Adaptation as Strategic Advisor Cities (2018). In 2019 he hosted the Global Urban Resilience Summit in Rotterdam and joined the Global Steering Committee at the Resilient Cities Network. He also is appointed as water and resilience Knowledge Ambassador with Rotterdam Partners. Recently (2024) Arnoud transferred to the Square Floating City company as Global director Resilience and Partnerships.
Head of Advocacy Programme, Water Europe
Loïc Charpentier, Head of Advocacy Programme, Water Europe
Loïc Charpentier is the head of the advocacy programme of Water Europe, representing the full value-chain of water in Europe (including local and regional authorities, utilities, solutions providers, universities and large industrial users). He also contributes to the policy communication of EU research & innovation projects on behalf of Water Europe. In 2023, he was the expert of Mr. Viola, Rapporteur for the CoR opinion on the water resilience strategy. Moreover, Loïc is also involved in different European research clusters and the chairman of the Policy working group of the ZeroPollution4Water cluster. He manages the MEP Water Group’s secretariat. With a background in law and a master in European studies, Loïc worked previously at the European Association of Research and Technology organisations as policy assistant.
Patrizia Bianconi, Senior Expert in Ecological Transition and Climate Change, President's Cabinet, Emilia-Romagna region
Delegate for the Emilia-Romagna region for ecological transition and integrated climate change policies, she is a senior expert with extensive experience in managing projects and programs focused on sustainable development and climate change at international, national, and regional levels. With over 30 years of professional experience, she has actively promoted local economies and facilitated territorial cooperation while implementing and coordinating research activities related to climate change. She has supported numerous public institutions beyond the Emilia-Romagna region, including the Italian Ministry of Environment, the Italian Ministry of University and Research, the National Research Centre, and various private companies. Additionally, she collaborates as a lecturer in several specialized courses and master’s programs organized by universities and environmental agencies.