Roundtable Discussion Series — Solving Developing World Issues Together

Embrace Relief’s Roundtable Discussion Series is a unique opportunity for nonprofit organization leaders, government organization heads, researchers, and other interested stakeholders from all around the world to come together for one cause: To find sustainable solutions to challenges affecting the developing world, like food and water insecurity, extreme poverty, etc. Each event fosters new connections and partnerships, and the inclusion of global stakeholders from many different fields helps to better address challenges.

March 2022 Roundtable: Sustainable Fresh Water Systems During COVID-19

Our inaugural roundtable discussion kicks off at 10 a.m. EST on March 22, World Water Day, and will address the challenges affecting efficient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in the sub-Saharan Africa region. The importance of ensuring complete access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to promote sustained and equitable growth is well documented. However, significant challenges remain in the fight for sustainable fresh water systems. During the March Roundtable, leaders with experience and knowledge in this area will convene:

• Leaders from academia will provide contemporary research and studies detailing the multitude of different approaches to sanitation and clean water delivery and the costs and benefits of each.
• Researchers and academics will also highlight the importance of water infrastructure by detailing the negative impacts that are being realized in the Sub-Saharan region due to the current challenges prohibiting efficient clean water delivery.
• Government leaders will provide detailed information on the current state of water infrastructure within their respective countries/communities.
• Embrace Relief and fellow nonprofit organizations will provide information on their approaches and discuss the potential changes they can make to ensure sustainable water solutions.

Objectives of the Session

1. Discuss the current challenges facing clean water delivery in the sub-Saharan region.
2. Deliberate successful existing approaches to the clean water crisis.
3. Identify novel solutions to the clean water crisis.
4. Identify the gaps and needs to ensure a more equitable future for individuals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Outcome

Following the Roundtable session, a set of recommendations and approaches will be drafted in line with the findings and solutions that were discussed. These will help to inform Embrace Relief’s efforts to increase the scope and sustainability of our Clean Water Initiative.

Format

• Parties will convene virtually on March 22, at 10 AM EST to ensure the health and safety of all participants is maintained during the ongoing global pandemic.
• During the first part of the roundtable, invited experts and leaders will provide context to the clean water crisis affecting sub-Saharan Africa.
• Following an initial group of presentations from experts, an open discussion and Q&A will take place. This will facilitate the discovery of new and improved sustainable solutions to the issue at hand.