News: Water Resilience Initiative launched in Twente to strengthen water security and resilience at the UT Climate Event, November 5, 2025
Water is essential for sustaining our health, way of life and our economy. Yet, increasing pressures from climate change, drought, and water-related disasters demand urgent and coordinated action. On November 5th at the University of Twente Climate Event, leading regional and national partners officially launched the Water Resilience Initiative (WRI), a collaborative effort to strengthen water security and resilience in the East of the Netherlands and beyond.
The initiative is a joint commitment by the Province of Overijssel, Waterschap Vechtstromen, the Municipality of Enschede, Klimaatonderzoek Initiatief Nederland (KIN), and the University of Twente Climate Centre. Together, these partners aim to advance the objectives of the European Water Resilience Strategy, which focus on:
- Restoring and protecting the water cycle
- Building a water-smart economy
- Ensuring clean and affordable water for all
Why Twente?
Twente is a region where water challenges and opportunities converge. From managing drought risks to supporting high-tech industry growth, water resilience is critical for safeguarding Twente’s future. The WRI will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and action, connecting local expertise with national and international networks.
Purpose and Scope
The Water Resilience Initiative aims to:
- Co-develop mission-driven agendas with governments, businesses, and societal partners focused on water resilience and climate adaptation.
- Translate research into action, ensuring knowledge is accessible and applied across scales.
- Create a learning-oriented environment, where experimentation and shared insights drive progress.
- Strengthen cross-border collaboration, recognizing that water systems transcend administrative boundaries.
Commitment to Impact
The founding partners pledged to jointly steer the initiative, embed it regionally, and connect it to broader networks for national and international alignment. Capacity building through training, mentoring, and institutional support will be central to its mission.
Call to Action
The Water Resilience Initiative invites other stakeholders to join this effort and help shape a water resilient future!
For more information contact: climate-centre@utwente.nl