Post by Sumila Gulyani

Last week was inspiring!  Thanks to Embassy of Denmark in India for hosting an excellent knowledge exchange on #Water in Denmark from May 18-22 for Indian officials from the states of #Karnataka, #Maharashtra, and #Uttarakhand. These states are implementing major water and wastewater initiatives, including programs that already have or will have about USD 2.0 billion in co-financing from the #WorldBankGroup. We witnessed firsthand how Denmark’s high-performing urban water systems operate and what Indian cities could aim for: 24x7 water services, near-elimination of non-revenue water, universal and energy-positive wastewater treatment, sustained (ground)water resources, integrated climate resilience, and digitally enabled utility management. A takeaway was this: for high-quality water and sanitation services infrastructure is necessary but not sufficient. Cities need: -         water agencies that are more professional and accountable (whether they are municipal departments or utilities or companies); -         unwavering focus on improving and sustaining service delivery; -         stronger financing for water, starting with own-source revenues. It does not have to be daunting. Each state and city needs to raise the bar – improve from where they are – and then continue raising the ambition. For those who wonder whether this is achievable in India, the answer is yes. With the right systems, partnerships, and leadership, world-class water and sanitation services for every citizen are within reach. The leadership shown by states, cities and utilities will be central to this transformation. The #WorldBankGroup is pleased to support this agenda and move #WaterForward. Sincere thanks to the Indian delegation for the excellent discussions, openness, and commitment. Thanks to Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Vikalp Gupta, Aarhus Vand, Miljøstyrelsen, Udenrigsministeriet - Trade Council, Danish Industry for making this rich exchange possible. Praveen Singh PratapSingh Pardeshi Saroj Kumar Jha Dina Umali-Deininger Mathews Mullackal HARSH GOYAL Kristoffer Welsien Kullappa Mariappa