About iWater,The Future of Water in Cities Course:

Water is an essential resource for sustainable development, public health, and economic growth. However, urban areas worldwide face unprecedented challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, and climate change, which threaten the availability and quality of this vital resource. As cities continue to grow, the demand for water will rise, necessitating innovative and integrated approaches to water management.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations in 2015, provide a global framework for addressing these challenges, with SDG 6 specifically targeting clean water and sanitation for all. SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Achieving this goal requires coordinated efforts across various sectors, including health, agriculture, and urban planning, highlighting the need for integrated strategies that consider the interdependencies among these sectors.

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a cornerstone of achieving SDG 6 and is critical for addressing the complexities of urban water challenges. IWRM promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources, ensuring sustainable economic and social benefits without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. It encourages a holistic approach that engages stakeholders at all levels, from local communities to international bodies, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

The "iWater: The Future of Water in Cities" course is designed to equip students, water professionals, and stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement IWRM principles in urban settings. Participants will explore the interconnected dimensions of urban water management, including integrated urban water security, innovative technologies, and international cooperation, all while aligning with the targets set forth in SDG 6.

By focusing on contemporary issues and solutions in urban water management, this course aims to foster a new generation of water leaders equipped to address the pressing challenges of the future and contribute to the global agenda for sustainable water management.

Course Description:

The iWater: The Future of Water in Cities course is designed for students, water professionals, and stakeholders engaged in the critical domain of urban water management. This comprehensive program addresses contemporary challenges and innovative strategies that enhance sustainable water management in urban environments, focusing on the Six I's: Integrated Urban Water Security, Innovation, International Water Agenda, Immigration and Risks, Information and Intelligent Water Management, and Institutions and Governance.

The course prepares participants to become leaders in urban water management by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and collaborative networks to tackle pressing water issues in cities today and in the future.

Course Objectives:

• To equip participants with a thorough understanding of urban water security and the frameworks for its assessment.

• To explore innovative solutions that address water challenges in urban settings through interdisciplinary collaboration.

• To analyze the global water agenda and its implications for local water management practices.

• To develop strategies for managing immigration-related risks in water resource planning.

• To foster knowledge of information technologies that optimize water management practices.

• To discuss governance structures and institutional frameworks that enhance water management in cities.

Key Topics and Units:

1. Integrated Urban Water Security: Definition and Assessment Framework

• Understanding the concept of integrated urban water security.

• Developing assessment frameworks to evaluate urban water security challenges.

• Best practices for enhancing water security in urban settings.

• Explaining the principles and importance of integrated water resources management (IWRM).

• Engaging with multiple disciplines to create holistic water management solutions.

• Case studies showcasing successful interdisciplinary approaches in urban water management.

• Analyzing the impact of immigration on water resources and management.

• Strategies to mitigate risks associated with water scarcity and social cohesion in diverse communities.

• The role of urban water management in facilitating the integration of immigrants.

• Examining global frameworks, policies, and agreements that influence urban water management.

• Understanding the contributions of key figures in the field, such as Olcay Ünver, to the international water agenda.

• Assessing how international collaboration can enhance local water management efforts.

• Exploring the use of digital transformation in optimizing water management practices.

• The importance of smart water systems and intelligent decision-making processes.

• Case studies on the implementation of innovative technologies in urban water management.

• Understanding the institutional arrangements necessary for effective water governance.

• The role of public policy in shaping water management practices at the local and national levels.

• Strategies for strengthening governance structures to enhance urban water resilience.

Course Format:

• Lead Lecturer: Expert-led sessions that cover foundational concepts and contemporary issues in water management.

• Guest Speakers: Contributions from leading experts in the field, who will provide insights into water management.

Target Audience:

• Students pursuing studies in environmental science, civil engineering, urban planning, or related fields.

• Water professionals working in governmental, non-governmental, or private sectors.

• Stakeholders involved in water policy, infrastructure development, and urban planning.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Critically assess urban water security issues and develop innovative solutions.

• Integrate interdisciplinary approaches to address complex urban water management challenges.

• Evaluate the implications of global water policies for local contexts.

• Apply intelligent water management practices using data-driven approaches.

• Enhance governance structures to support sustainable urban water management.