The new year 2025 has begun.
For every individual, every family, every society, and every nation, and even for all of humanity across the globe, the arrival of a new year brings expectations and hope that a better world will unfold—one that is better than the past, better than last year.

On one hand, at global level there are challenges such as the ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Palestine’s Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the inauguration of the U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocates the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda. On the other hand, at national level it is expected to be a challenging year due to political, economic, and social upheavals stemming from the presidential impeachment crisis.

As for Korea Water Forum, 2025 is a meaningful year as it is the 10th anniversary since hosting the 7th World Water Forum in Korea in 2015.

Korea Water Forum has been organizing the 「Korea International Water Week(KIWW)」 every year since 2016 promoting and facilitating the exchange of technology, experience, and knowledge, while fostering international cooperation to address global water-related challenges such as floods, droughts, and pollution.

In particular, Korea has successfully developed industrial and household water supply systems as well as comprehensive sanitary systems for treating industrial and household wastewater, in the midst of rapid growth from one of the least developed countries to a middle-income country, and eventually to an advanced country over the past 60 years. Korea has continuously strived to showcase its scientific advancements and industrial competitiveness in the water sector to the international community.

Korea Water Forum will continue to strengthen its role as an international cooperation platform in the water sector, building on the valuable experiences and assets it has accumulated over the years.

Firstly, Korea Water Forum will persistently pursue the goal of developing the 「Korea International Water Week(KIWW)」 into one of the world’s top three international water weeks specializing in bridging the gap between developed and developing countries alongside the science-and-technology-focused Stockholm World Water Week(SWWW) and the industry-driven Singapore International Water Week(SIWW).

Secondly, we also aim to expand the scope of participation to include central and local governments, civil society organizations and private entities. Efforts will be made to actively involve sectors such as irrigation and industrial water, while also broadening support and participation from domestic water-related organizations, associations, and businesses.

Thirdly, we aim to transition the participation of domestic institutions and organizations in international events held abroad (outbound) to participation in the 「Korea International Water Week(KIWW)」 (inbound) in Korea. By diversifying major international programs such as the World Water Partnership, TIP Platform, Special Sessions, and World Water Challenge, as well as by leading key water-related issues, we intend to expand both domestic and international participation and attract global attention.

Additionally, we will work to enhance the technology and knowledge of the water industry and expand opportunities for international market entry by expanding business programs (business conferences, meetings, consultations, etc.) and attracting exhibitions by large corporations and overseas companies, and actively inviting international buyers.

We will collaborate with relevant institutions to review future-oriented considerations regarding the timing, frequency, and location of the 「Korea International Water Week(KIWW)」 as Korea's representative international water event.

We look forward to the year of the Snake 2025, being a meaningful time for Korea to lead international cooperation in the water sector, with the government and public sector, private sector and academic, and research communities coming together to combine their wisdom and capabilities.

Thank you.

• Kyulho Kwak, Ph.D., P.E.
  President of the Korea Water Forum
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