Developing Capacity from Rio to Reality: Who is taking the lead ? (5th Delft Symposium on Water Sector Capacity Development)

The 5th Delft Symposium is the international forum for water users, development practitioners, researchers, policy makers and capacity development specialists to discuss the challenges, current realities and new opportunities for knowledge and capacity development in the water sector.

The Symposium will cover the different levels that need to be addressed when dealing with capacity development: the knowledge and capacity of 1) individuals, 2) organisations, 3) sector(s) and 4) the enabling environment.

In order to address the main question Who is taking the lead in knowledge and capacity development across sectors, disciplines and other boundaries so it can be leveraged to become more effective and efficient?, the Symposium will focus on the following three themes:

1. Challenges for water sector capacity development explores the challenges countries face as each strives forgreen growth and 'blue sustainability'. Responses are required ranging from policy to education to awareness raising in order to induce behavioural change. What needs to happen in terms of water sector capacity development? Who feels responsible and who is taking the lead?
2. Landscape of experiences with capacity development explores the current realities and practice of knowledge and capacity development in the water sector at the level of river basins, regions and nations. What is happening in water sector capacity development? Who is doing what and how?
3. Innovation in water sector capacity development considers emerging responses. What innovative capacity development approaches are emerging? How do they help to better mobilize local knowledge? How can capacity development and innovation help overcome water challenges? What is required to reap these benefits?