Citizen Science Program Presents

The United Nations Response to the Global Water Crisis

Over the past several decades, ever-growing demands for and misuse of water resources have increased the risks of pollution and severe water stress in many parts of the world. The frequency and intensity of local water crises have been increasing, with serious implications for public health, environmental sustainability, food and energy security, and economic development. Demographics continue changing and unsustainable economic practices are affecting the quantity and quality of the water at our disposal, making water an increasingly scarce and expensive resource, especially for the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable.

This session will present the current global situation on water, the United Nations perspective, and related work, as well as provide insights on what is needed to tackle our water-related challenges. Students will have the opportunity to discuss with a United Nations representative their queries and explore opportunities on how they can contribute in the global endeavor to overcome these challenges.

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Nicolas Franke works as a sustainable development officer in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations. With more than eight years of experience in the water sector, Nicolas has supported intergovernmental, governmental, academic, private, and nonprofit institutions to face the challenges of a sustainable, equitable, and efficient use of water resources. In his current position, he contributes to the intergovernmental processes of the 2030 Agenda and in the coordination of the implementation of theories, concepts, and strategies for sustainable development on water and sanitation.

Prior to becoming involved with the United Nations, Nicolas worked as a project manager at the Water Footprint Network foundation in the Netherlands, as a water policy technical adviser at Tragsatec in Spain, and as water management consultant to Spain’s Ministry of Environment.

Nicolas studied at the Universities of Salzburg (Austria), Madrid (Spain), and Västeras (Sweden) and has a master’s in biology with specialization in water resource management.
 

For more information, call 848-758-7490, or e-mail [email protected].

Time: 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm EST/GMT-5

Location: Olin Hall

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