World Water Week 2023 was a platform for innovation amid unprecedented water challenges, and the theme "Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Waterwise World" inspired fresh approaches to water, sanitation, and hygiene management.

What is the issue at hand?

• Only 1.5% of the water on Earth is useable and available fresh water—and climate change is dangerously affecting that supply.
  
  
• Two billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, and around four billion people live under highly water-stressed conditions for at least one month of the year.
  
  
• New data from WRI’s Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas show that 25 countries—housing one-quarter of the global population — face extremely high water stress each year, regularly using up almost their entire available water supply.

What was the value in Kohler's presence at World Water Week (WWW)?

💧 Safe water is a problem for all of us. Our businesses and customers rely on water for daily operations and to use many of our products and services. At WWW, we gained insight into the latest trends, risks, and demands for our teams as we consider the global impacts of water and climate as well as how they might affect our business so we can be prepared, mitigate future risks, and do our part.

💧 Business development. The Innovation for Good team showcased its portfolio of innovative product solutions which aim to help communities without access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. Not only was the Innovation for Good team able to share their unique offerings and learnings with governments, global corporations, nongovernmental organizations, local social enterprises, among many other international attendees, but they also gained fresh insights on the market to understand potential gaps. This exchange of knowledge was a highlight of the conference as the team continues to innovate and drive meaningful progress towards achieving safe water and sanitation for all.

💧Partners and projects. We have ambitious goals to deliver on conservation, restoration, and access as part of our commitments to our Safe Water for All initiative. Engagement with current and prospective partners allows us to understand needs and identify projects to reach our goals. Our presence, networking, and voice at the table demonstrates Kohler is invested to meet ambitious sustainability and community objectives and supports the vetting and project scoping process.

We repeatedly heard reactions of awe as attendees were drawn to our products that were more unique and gracious than anything else in the market. Conversations of curiosity and meaningful business interest continue to remind us why we show up; and 2023 was bigger than ever with a complete portfolio of four products (three entering market in 2023).

Thank you for joining us on the journey toward a water-wise world. For additional insights or to watch our panel recordings, explore our World Water Week landing page.