Diane d’Arras takes over the role of president from Professor Helmut Kroiss. A civil engineer for nearly forty years, d’Arras is becoming President of the world’s largest international association of water professionals at a time of great challenges, changes and opportunities for addressing some of the most critical water issues facing humanity.

Building water resilience

Solving these challenges is one of Diane’s main motivations for working in the water sector, and for serving as IWA President. She is particularly concerned with solving the lack of access to water and sanitation worldwide. “There is a political momentum around water with the launch of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which make a powerful commitment to ensure universal access to water and basic sanitation. We must also focus strongly on building water resilience for communities and cities that are increasingly impacted by climate change and water scarcity. Today we have both the political will and the professional solutions. The IWA has a vital role to play in delivering both of these agendas,” says Diane d’Arras.

Ensuring a water-wise world

Diane’s election is a tribute to her career and to her commitment to ensuring a water-wise world, where water is sustainably managed for all human and environmental needs. Her appointment highlights the IWA’s desire to bring scientists, utilities and water operators from around the world closer together, and to make a significant global contribution to meeting water needs and protecting ecosystems. Diane d’Arras is currently Executive VP Water Europe, Suez Water Europe.
Watch the interview with Diane D’Arras here.