SWP activities
The SWP has a long-term strategy and set objectives for the 2022-2025 period. The Action Plan 2023-2024 presents the SWP activities within that frame.
Download SWP Action Plan
Learning and knowledge exchange
Learning and knowledge exchange events focus on specific topics relevant to the Swiss and global water sector. They seek to facilitate the exchange of know-how and practical experience between the members, their partners abroad and external experts.
The knowledge exchanges consist of sharing discussions on bottlenecks, business innovations and experiences as well as new forms of collaboration and solutions.
Networking and partnership building
SWP offers the opportunity to connect with water professionals from its member organisations, representing various sectors and a diversity of thematic expertise. Important events include General Assemblies and networking apéros.
The General Assembly is hosted by a different member each year and combined with an event at the hosting organisation. SWP also develops and maintains partnerships with other Swiss-based and international networks in the sector.
Representation at global events
The SWP is well recognized through its participation at international events and promotes Swiss water innovation internationally by facilitating and organizing the members’ voice at global events.
The key international events are the World Water Week and the World Water Forum. Participation at other international conferences, fairs or matchmaking events are organized if they are of interest to the members.
Study tours
Study tours are organised based on demand, and allow international water professionals to get an understanding of Swiss water management. Study tours contribute to developing partnerships between global and Swiss water experts.
SWP creates a tailored offer based on the specific needs of the participants. This approach à la carte builds on an offer of various thematic modules and the participants choose the most relevant ones according to their expectations and availability. Past topics include: (transboundary) integrated water resources management, hydropower, integrated flood risk management and local water governance.
Position papers and policy dialogue
The SWP supports Swiss water actors to participate in policy processes, particularly related to the monitoring and implementation of SDG 6 and to bringing the human right to water and sanitation to practice.
The SWP provides space for reflections, partnership development, dialogue, and the joint development of new ideas. Joint statements in response to federal consultations on international cooperation and water is one example of this co-development.
Discussion and working groups
The SWP offers its members the opportunity to take the lead or actively engage in discussion or working groups on specific topics or in preparation of an event.
A working group works towards a concrete output or outcome that has to be approved by the Steering Board. The Secretariat provides logistical and facilitation support to the working group members. Past working groups have focused on the UN Water Year topics as water and climate change, wastewater, and nature-based solutions for water.
SWP Youth initiatives
SWP Youth is a platform through which youth can organise and participate in trainings, mentorships and other capacity-building activities. The platform facilitates the exchange between young people and senior water experts, and enhances inter-generational learning and professional insertion in the sector.
Yearly initiatives include the Matura Mentoring, the Networkshops and the Water Challenge.