The phrase ‘water for all’ embodies a fundamental principle of ensuring universal access to clean and safe water for all people, regardless of their socio-economic status, geographical location or cultural background. It reflects the recognition that water is a fundamental human right and is essential for sustaining life, promoting health, ensuring livelihoods, and fostering socio-economic development. It is imperative to invest in innovation and technology across the water and wastewater sectors. Needless to say that making these sectors more efficient calls for building adequate water infrastructure, futuristic thinking, and technical advisory.

This month, our cover story on efficient and innovative water management systems in the Nordic countries highlights that  the Indian industries can utilize the expertise and cutting-edge technologies from the Nordic region, leverage their valuable learnings and adopt the proven approaches to enhance their water management systems, resource efficiency and reduce pollution. The Nordic countries offer invaluable knowledge and technologies to improve sustainable water management practices. From state-of-the-art water purification systems to sustainable irrigation techniques, Nordic expertise offers important tools to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources.

The Nordic countries, viz., Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland participated in the SPRING Water Summit 2024 that was organized by the India Nordic Water Forum (INWF)—a joint network and platform for the private and public sectors in India and the Nordic countries  and shared their insights regarding the water-related initiatives, challenges, and green solutions that have a replication value. This kind of knowledge exchange, technology adoption and bilateral collaboration may open up the door for engaging with potential partners or setting up manufacturing centres for the Indian as well as international markets. A partnership with the Indian industry can provide a great opportunity to serve the global market. All in all, joint research and development, knowledge sharing and technology transfer can leverage the strengths of the Nordic countries to effectively address India’s water challenges, improve quality, efficiency and conservation while fostering strong bilateral relationships.

Significantly, the increasing collaboration between India and the Nordic countries in green and clean energy and an intent to combating climate change and promoting sustainable development, is marked by technological cooperation, shared expertise, and diplomatic goodwill. I am confident that the articles in this edition of TerraGreen will strongly resonate with our readers. Your insightful suggestions have greatly improved the publication, and I eagerly encourage you to continue sharing your valuable ideas and feedback.