On December 6, 2018, Peru 2030 WRG’s 25 steering committee members gathered for the last meeting of 2018. Mrs. Mercedes Castro, Executive Director of Agualimpia—an NGO dedicated to expanding access to clean water and sanitation in Peru—and Chairman of Peru 2030 WRG Steering addressed her welcoming remarks to her fellow committee members, all of whom are all high-level representatives from academia, civil society organizations, international organizations, the public sector, and the private sector.

Mr. Alberto Rodriguez, World Bank Country Director for Peru, spoke about the water challenges in Peru and detailed the World Bank’s agenda for addressing such challenges. He reflected on 2030 WRG’s work in 2018 and restated the importance of 2030 WRG’s collaboration with the World Bank.

In the spirit of reflection, Héctor Gómez, IFC Country Manager for Brazil, and Marcelo de Andrade, President of Fundación ProNatura, jointly presented the Share Value Platform, for which Mr. Gómez is the project lead. Spearheaded by 2030 WRG, this platform, which was initially implemented in Brazil, is a territory-based initiative that aims to bring sustainable and inclusive development to mining areas in vulnerable regions using a value chain development approach. This presentation was especially well received because the mining sector is such an important part of Peru’s economy.

Just as the end of a year is a time for reflection, it is also a time for aspiration. Dominic Waughray, Managing Director and Head of the Centre for Global Public Goods and Co-chair of 2030 WRG presented his thoughts about how the public and private sectors could collaborate to promote transformational change in Peru’s water sector. Because change is the only constant in today’s world, he urged international organizations—which are well place to create positive impact due to their global footprint—to maintain their relevance by embracing adaptation and innovation.

In line with Mr. Waughray’s call for adaptation and innovation, Gonzalo Delacamara, Senior Advisor to OECD, spoke about the untapped potential of using a circular economy approach, which is a concept that is gaining favor in both the public and private sectors, to implement sustainable water resources management solutions.

The lively conversations that emerged from the meeting are evidence for the value of inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement. The principle of inclusive dialogue will continue to guide Peru 2030 WRG’s work in the coming new year.