About the Conference
The 2024 UNC Water & Health Conference continues its commitment to advancing public health through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). With a strong focus on science-based solutions, this year’s event explores global WASH policies, technological innovations, and strategies to strengthen climate resilience and equitable access to clean water.
Key Themes & Focus Areas:
- WASH in 2050: Examining long-term policy, technology, and infrastructure challenges.
- Climate Resilience in Water Management: Adapting to an evolving climate reality.
- Financing WASH Systems: Addressing funding gaps and innovative financial models.
- WASH in Fragile Contexts: Strengthening service delivery in conflict and humanitarian settings.
- Sanitation & Hygiene Equity: Supporting sanitation workers, gender-inclusive WASH, and behavioral interventions.
- Water Quality & Emerging Contaminants: Tackling pollution, wastewater surveillance, and waterborne disease prevention.
- Technology & Innovation Showcase: Highlighting emerging WASH solutions through real-world case studies.
Conference Highlights
View the following 2024 Conference videos on our YouTube Channel:
- Plenary and keynote addresses
- Verbal presentations
- Side event presentations
- Technology and innovation showcase
- Spotlight series
- Special lunch sessions
Plenary Sessions:
- WASH in 2050: Key experts discuss future trends shaping global water security.
- Turning Guidance into Policy: Translating research and frameworks into actionable implementation.
- Finance & WASH: Examining how financial models and investments impact service delivery.
- Water & Climate Crisis: Exploring the intersection of climate change and water security.
Workshops & Side Events:
- WASH in 2050: Key experts discuss future trends shaping global water security.
- Turning Guidance into Policy: Translating research and frameworks into actionable implementation.
- Finance & WASH: Examining how financial models and investments impact service delivery.
- Water & Climate Crisis: Exploring the intersection of climate change and water security.
Research & Innovation Showcases:
- Technology & Innovation Showcase: Featuring cutting-edge WASH technologies, judged by experts from The Water Institute at UNC, Business Connect, and RTI.
- Spotlight Series: Deep dives into regional case studies, including Malawi, Ghana, Uganda, and Handwashing Innovation.
- Poster Presentations: Featuring diverse research on sanitation, water safety, behavioral change, and emerging public health challenges.
Networking & Engagement:
- Career Development & Mentorship Sessions: Connecting young professionals with leaders in WASH.
- Happy Hour & Social Engagements: Opportunities for informal knowledge exchange.
- Conference Movie Night: Screening of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, with a Q&A featuring William Kamkwamba.