Susheel Arora 

CEO of the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA)

Susheel Arora serves as the CEO of the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA), spearheading Canada’s first Indigenous-owned and operated water and wastewater service organization. He was instrumental in establishing the Governance and Operations framework for this groundbreaking model, addressing the longstanding inadequacies in water and wastewater services for First Nations communities in Atlantic Canada. His leadership is driving a transformative governance structure that challenges and reshapes a system that has been in place for over 150 years. This model embodies the First Nations' pursuit of self-determination and control over a vital resource essential for public health and environmental protection.

Under this visionary governance framework, AFNWA has made remarkable strides within just two years, enhancing infrastructure, water quality, and wastewater services across member communities. The organization is actively engaged in several industry-recognized programs and initiatives designed to further elevate the quality of life in member Nations, ensuring resilient and sustainable services for future generations.

Previously, Susheel held the role of Director of Operations at Halifax Water, where he gained over 20 years of experience in water management. During his tenure, he led the One Water initiative, a holistic approach to wastewater and stormwater collection, water distribution, treatment, and biosolids management in the Halifax region, advocating for the integrated value of water systems.

Susheel is also deeply involved in broader utility initiatives such as Integrated Resource Planning, IT Master Planning, Rate Making, Asset Management, and Capital Planning. A dedicated professional, he is a member of Engineers Nova Scotia and holds two master's degrees—one in Environmental Engineering and another in Applied Sciences. He further refined his leadership acumen through the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Committed to advancing the water and wastewater sector, Susheel actively contributes to organizations such as the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the International Water Association (IWA). His participation in national committees and expert panels reflects his commitment to shaping industry advancements.

A steadfast advocate for First Nations water issues and the "One Water" approach, Susheel champions holistic, sustainable water management and efficient service delivery, striving to create meaningful and lasting change in the field.

Nina Braid

Nina is an Aboriginal woman from far-north South Australia. She has over 15 years’ experience working in and with communities for conservation and environmental purposes, including as a project manager at the Indigenous Land Corporation. She also brings a wealth of experience from her roles with AFL SportsReady, Red Dust Role Models and National Indigenous Pastoral Enterprises. Nina is currently working as the Aboriginal Partnerships Manager with Yarra Valley Water and the 2022 Victorian Water Professional of the Year. Nina is also currently deputy chair of Trust for Nature and director for the Australian Water Association..

Susan Bell Chiblow

Dr. Susan (Sue) Bell Chiblow is Anishinaabe, born and raised in Garden River First Nation. She has worked extensively with First Nation communities for the last 35 years in environmental related fields. Sue has a B.Sc. in Biology, M.Sc. in Environment and Management, and her PhD in Environmental Science with a focus on N’bi Kendaaswin (Water Knowledge). Sue is a Vanier Scholar and Assistant Professor at the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph. She has been appointed as a Commissioner by Canada to the International Joint Commission in January 2024.

Sue loves being on the water and you will often find her in the bush harvesting.

Alison Collins

Departmental Chief Science Advisor – Kaitohutohu Mātanga Pūtaiao Matua | Ministry for the Environment – Manatū Mō Te TaiaoAlison is the Departmental Chief Science Advisor at the Ministry for the Environment, where she leads work to shape how evidence is brought into policy and decision-making to support environmental stewardship and address complex challenges. Her role focuses on ensuring that diverse forms of knowledge are used in ways that are trusted, inclusive, and future-focused.

Alison’s scientific background spans soil science, geomorphology, catchment and land use systems, and the role of ecosystem services in supporting human wellbeing. Her research has explored how landscapes function and change, and how these changes affect both environmental resilience and people’s lives.

A key focus of her current work is understanding and applying environmental boundaries and limits—what we have, what is at risk, and what we need to do. This thinking underpins the Ministry’s work in environmental reporting, policy reform, and future-focused approaches to environmental management. Alison brings a systems lens to these challenges, recognising the interdependence of human and environmental health, and the need for integrated, trusted evidence to support wise decisions.

David Cunliffe 

Principal Water Quality Specialist South Australian Department for Health

David is the principal water quality specialist with the South Australian Department for Health. He is a regulator with over 40 years of experience dealing with public health aspects of drinking water, wastewaters and recreational waters.

David has been a member of WHO and Australian water quality committees for 25 years and has contributed to a range of national and international guidelines on drinking-water quality, safe use of wastewater and recreational water quality. David has championed risk-based approaches for managing water safety.

David has been a leading contributor to a range of WHO publications on management of water quality and dealing with specific contaminants including lead, toxic cyanobacteria and microplastics. He has also contributed to a broad range of public health research. David is a member of expert water quality committees in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Nerina Di Lorenzo GAICD

Dr Di Lorenzo is the Managing Director of Melbourne Water which provides drinking water, treats wastewater and manages catchments in the greater Melbourne region.  

She holds extensive experience in the water and local government sectors, including as CEO of Merri-bek City Council for five years preceded by holding infrastructure executive portfolios.

Dr Di Lorenzo commenced her early career in the oil industry working on the platforms in Bass Strait. 

Raveen Jaduram BE(Hons), ME, F.ENZ, CMInstD

Raveen is a dedicated infrastructure leader, with 40 years of experience in the water environment and infrastructure.  Raveen is currently the chair of the boards of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission Te Waihanga and Water Services Authority Taumata Arowai.  He is also a director of Auckland Transport and Corde Limited.  He is Chair and director of a number of private and family businesses in New Zealand and Fiji.Raveen is a past President of Water New Zealand and has held chief executive and directorships in private and public sectors in Australia and in New Zealand.

Stanislav Kim

I am currently serving as the Team Leader for the Disaster Resilience Team at the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub. In this capacity, I provide support to 36 countries in Asia and Pacific, assisting them in strengthening their resilience against disasters driven by natural hazards, promoting risk-informed development, and supporting their disaster response and recovery endeavors. 

With an extensive background spanning over 25 years in development, disaster risk reduction, energy, and environmental programs throughout the Europe and Central Asia region, I bring a wealth of expertise to my present role. Prior to assuming my current assignment, I held the position of Team Leader for the Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Team at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub. Furthermore, I served as the DRR Program Specialist at the Istanbul Regional Hub, Head of the Energy and Environment Unit at UNDP Kazakhstan. From 2003 to 2010, I acted as the National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme. Additionally, I possess valuable experience working with various national and regional NGOs before joining UNDP. 

My educational background is anchored by a Bachelor and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management. These academic qualifications complement my practical experience, enabling me to approach my current responsibilities with a well-rounded perspective. 

In summary, as the Team Leader for the Disaster Resilience Team at the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, I leverage my extensive experience and educational background to support countries of Asia and Pacific. By promoting risk-informed development, strengthening disaster response and recovery efforts, and facilitating the building of resilience to disasters, I strive to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.

Patrick Lester

Atty. Patrick Lester N. Ty holds the distinction of being the youngest person to be appointed as Chief Regulator in the 27-year history of the MWSS RO.

As Chief Regulator, Atty. Ty has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing water security and expanding sewage systems. His innovative approach to regulation has resulted in remarkable improvements in water, sewerage, and sanitation coverage in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. His dedication to public service and exceptional leadership have earned him numerous accolades and invitations to speak at international fora, where he shares his expertise and best practices as a Public Utility Regulator. Beyond his role as Chief Regulator, Atty. Ty is also a respected member of the International Water Association (IWA) 7th International Water Regulators Forum (IWRF) Programme Committee, and recently the IWA Inclusive Urban Sanitation Initiative Advisory Board. The IWA is the largest membership association for the global water sector, and Atty. Ty's involvement in the organization underscores his international reputation in water governance.

In 2025, Atty. Ty was conferred the “Alumni Award for Good Governance in Public Utility” by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) for his exceptional achievements that have delivered tangible, lasting benefits to society and brought honor to the University. He was also recognized by the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) as ‘Kampeon ng Tubig Kanlungan’ (Champion of Watersheds)—an award given to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in protecting water resources. In 2024, Atty. Ty was honored by the OFW Partylist with the “Inclusive Leadership Award” for his outstanding commitment to championing inclusivity, diversity, and equity in the water sector.

Prior to his appointment as Chief Regulator in 2017, Atty. Ty led the Financial Regulation Area of the MWSS RO as Deputy Administrator. From 2010 to 2017, he served as the Deputy Administrator of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan. From 2006 to 2010, he worked with the Department of Finance. He also held positions at the Central Bank Board of Liquidators, UP Institute of Government and Law Reform, and Ocampo and Manalo Law Firm.

Atty. Ty received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1999, followed by a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 2003.

Jiuhui Qu

Prof. Jiuhui Qu is a professor at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (RCEES, CAS), and a distinguished professor at Tsinghua University. He is a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), a foreign member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE), a fellow of the World Academy of Sciences for developing countries (TWAS), and a distinguished fellow of the International Water Association (IWA). Prof. Qu is one of the foremost leaders in advocating and developing water pollution control technologies in China. His significant contributions have earned him numerous awards, including the First Prize of National Science and Technology Progress Award of China, the Sustainability Award by the Nobel Sustainability Trust, the IWA Global Project Innovation Award, and the IWA East Asia Regional Project Innovation Award.

Dato’ Hj Ahmad Faizal Abdul Rahman

Dato’ Ahmad Faizal Abdul Rahman has served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) since 2019. He leads the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing water and sewerage services across Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, ensuring sustainable, reliable, and affordable services for over 34 million people.

With over 30 years of leadership experience in government-linked companies and regulatory institutions, Dato’ Ahmad Faizal is at the forefront of transforming Malaysia’s water sector. His career spans strategic roles in banking, asset management, and utility operations—including as CEO of Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) and a senior leader at Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd.

Under his stewardship, SPAN has championed regulatory innovation, environmental enforcement, and inclusive financing. He spearheaded initiatives such as the Environmental Crime Prevention Unit (UCJAS) and Wakaf Air, a pioneering micro-financing model that provides water access to underserved communities. He also played a key role in aligning SPAN’s regulatory frameworks with Malaysia’s Water Sector Transformation Agenda (AIR 2040).Dato’ Ahmad Faizal holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and financial management from the University of Essex, and completed the Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. He is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK.A recognised voice in water governance, he continues to advocate for smart, resilient, and inclusive water solutions at both national and international platforms.

Liz Root

Liz Root is a seasoned sustainability specialist with over 19 years’ experience working in the built environment. Having led sustainability and social outcomes workstreams on some of NZ’s largest infrastructure projects, Liz brings a systems thinking approach along with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability across the entire infrastructure lifecycle, from design through construction to operations. In 2022, Liz was awarded the Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Sector Award by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC). 

Katherine Richardson

PhD, D.Sc. - Professor of Biological Oceanography at the University of Copenhagen.

Katherine Richardson, PhD, D.Sc., is a professor of biological oceanography at the University of Copenhagen and a leading expert on Earth system science. She is a core developer of the Planetary Boundaries framework and currently leads an interdisciplinary research centre on ocean, climate, and society. Her work focuses on the links between the water cycle, climate change, and biodiversity loss in shaping sustainable futures.

David Ryan

David is a dynamic water industry leader, known for shaping contemporary organisational culture to deliver water services oriented around the continual improvement of customer experience.  

In his current role as Chief Executive of SA Water, David leads one of Australia’s largest integrated water utilities, serving more than 1.8 million customers across urban, regional and remote areas.  

By championing key values fostered through his background in regional Australia, such as sustainability, diversity and customer-centricity, David works to ensure water services help build and enhance communities and enable economic development.  

Prior to joining SA Water, David was Managing Director of Melbourne’s City West Water, and held executive roles at bulk water company Melbourne Water in operations and capital delivery, waterway management and customer solutions.

Jamie Sinclair

Jamie Sinclair was appointed chief executive of Watercare in June 2025, following an extensive career in both the public and private sectors across New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Prior to stepping into his current role, Jamie served as deputy chief executive and chief corporate services officer at Watercare, where he led finance, people and culture, legal, and health and safety functions.

A qualified accountant with a degree in management studies from the University of Waikato and a postgraduate diploma in environmental management, Jamie brings a unique blend of financial expertise and environmental insight to the role. His career has spanned audit, change management, and executive leadership, including seven transformative years with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, where his positions included chief executive of the Trust.

Jamie is passionate about people, partnerships, and performance. He is leading Watercare through a period of significant change as it becomes a financially independent and fully regulated utility. With a $13.8 billion investment plan over the next decade, Jamie is focused on delivering for Aucklanders while strengthening relationships across the sector, with mana whenua partners and key stakeholders.

Professor Te Maire Tau - Upoko Ngāi Tūāhuriri

Te Maire is Pou Whakarae of the University of Canterbury, where he heads the Office of Treaty Partnership.

Te Maire belongs to Ngāi Tahu, the principal tribe of the South Island, and lives in Tuahiwi, the largest village of that tribe. Te Maire is the Upoko (Director) of Ngāi Tūāhuriri (the tribal group of the Tuahiwi region in Canterbury) and Co-Chair, Te Kura Taka Pini (Ngāi Tahu Freshwater Management Group).

During his years as an undergraduate and later as a postgraduate student at Canterbury, Te Maire helped iwi leaders with their land claim to the Waitangi Tribunal, with a particular emphasis on traditional food-gathering practices. As a specialist historian on oral traditions, tribal genealogies and indigenous knowledge systems, Te Maire was used as an expert witness and historian for the settlement of the Ngāi Tahu Claim - the largest settlement in its day between Māori and the Crown for lands wrongfully taken.

Since then, he has had several publications dealing with oral traditions and the relationship between indigenous knowledge systems and how they intersect with western science. Te Maire’s research interests include the philosophy of knowledge, oral traditions, myth, indigenous development / tribal economies, water rights, and history.

Craig Thew

Craig is the Group Manager of Infrastructure for Hastings District Council. 

Craig has over 33 years’ experience in Civil Engineering for local and central government agencies.  

In his current role Craig has been involved with the Hastings DC cyclone responses, and now recovery with the wider regional recovery infrastructure planning and Local Water Done Well Initiative. 

Dagmara Tyszler

Dagmara Tyszler is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, specializing in membrane filtration technologies. At Veolia, she has played a pivotal role in bid development, project execution, and customer collaboration across Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and ANZ, including landmark projects like the Henriksdal MBR in Sweden—one of the world’s largest.

Her expertise lies in co-creating tailored solutions by bridging technical and commercial insights, accelerating project delivery, and ensuring customer commitments are met. Since relocating to New Zealand in 2015, she has supported clients nationwide, representing Veolia’s full spectrum of products, solutions, and services.

Dagmara excels in partnering with cross-functional teams and customers to drive innovation and sustainable outcomes in water and wastewater treatment.

Meike Van Ginneken

Meike van Ginneken Water Envoy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  As Water Envoy, Meike raises water awareness, builds coalitions across countries and organizations, and shares knowhow for a water secure world. 

Van Ginneken is a recognized water leader who has helped to provide millions of people with access to water & sanitation and energy services. Van Ginneken has interspersed executive headquarter positions at international organizations with extended periods living and working in Africa, Asia and Latin-America. She served as UN Assistant Secretary General at the International Fund for Agricultural Development. As Chief Executive Officer of SNV Netherlands Development Organization, Van Ginneken headed a knowledge-driven organization with 1,400 specialized staff working on food, water, and energy. Between 2002 and 2017, Van Ginneken held various leadership positions at the World Bank. She managed the World Bank's US$5B energy portfolio in West & Central Africa and its US$6B water portfolio in South Asia.

Hayati Yarkadas

Senior Vice President and President, Water Infrastructure

Hayati Yarkadas leads Xylem’s global Water Infrastructure (WI) segment, bringing together all aspects of the company’s Transport and Treatment businesses. His team collaborates with public utility and industrial customers to ensure their operations run efficiently through integrated products and systems, and essential solutions to transport, treat, and manage water throughout the water cycle.

Hayati joined Xylem in 2020 and has more than 25 years of general management and commercial experience, including senior leadership roles with Trinseo, Tate & Lye and DuPont. He has a Master of Business Administration from the Imperial College Business School (University of London) and a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Istanbul Technical University. Hayati also brings a diverse range of cultural knowledge from his experience living and working in five countries across three different continents. 

In the community, Hayati volunteers with Rainbows4Children, a Swiss and UK foundation that provides education for disadvantaged children in Ethiopia, and is involved with Humanitas, a nonprofit that provides professional support to individuals in impoverished areas around the world.