By Pamenus Tuso
Recently appointed Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, Matthijs van Eeuwen, has praised Zimbabwean youths and stakeholders for embracing innovative water solutions through the Wetskills Water Challenge held in Bulawayo.
Speaking during the Wetskills Zimbabwe pitch and poster presentation event on Thursday, Ambassador van Eeuwen described the initiative as a powerful example of cooperation between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands in tackling growing global water challenges.
The Wetskills Water Challenge is a globally recognised intensive two-week programme founded in the Netherlands in 2010. It brings together multidisciplinary international teams to develop practical and economically viable solutions to real-life water challenges submitted by governments, companies and non-governmental organisations.
Addressing participants, van Eeuwen commended the organisers and the City of Bulawayo for successfully hosting the programme for the second time in the city.
“Let me once again thank the Wetskills team for coming up with this fantastic initiative. It is only the second time here in Bulawayo and big thanks also go to the city of Bulawayo for making this happen,” he said.
The ambassador explained that water management is deeply embedded in Dutch history and identity, noting that a significant portion of the Netherlands lies below sea level.
“Water is part of our DNA. A third of our country is below sea level, including our capital city. Over decades, the Dutch have developed pioneering solutions to work with and against water, the ocean and tides,” he said.
Van Eeuwen highlighted the Dutch concept of “Poldren”, a term used to describe collaboration among various stakeholders to solve common challenges, saying cooperation is central to addressing water-related problems.
He said the Netherlands continues to work closely with Zimbabwe through several water partnership programmes involving cities such as Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.
“We work hand-in-hand on concrete solutions and this initiative is a beautiful example of cooperation between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands on water issues,” he added.
The ambassador also applauded participants for presenting practical and innovative ideas during the competition, saying young people have a critical role in solving pressing environmental challenges.
“I was really impressed by your pitches. Water issues are becoming more urgent because of climate change, pollution and land challenges. It is important to move beyond theory and work on practical solutions,” he said.
In closing, van Eeuwen referenced a famous quote by former United States President John F. Kennedy, emphasizing the importance of water innovation to global stability and peace.
“He once said that the person who comes up with the best water solution should not only win the Nobel Prize for science but also for peace,” said van Eeuwen.
The event brought together students, young professionals, water experts and local stakeholders to showcase sustainable and innovative approaches to water management amid increasing climate-related pressures.
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