As a longtime Communications professional, Kylie is intrigued by the uniting quality of water. There is also the inexplicable dichotomy of water being universally understood as fundamental to life and yet there seems to be a global apathy towards water management in climate change conversations.
“During a period of Churchill fellowship research, I became awed by and fascinated with water through the Google Arts & Culture Installation, titled ‘The Passage of Water’ by Yiyun Kang and NASA.” Kylie explains her fascination, “That piece is beautifully engaging in its demonstration of how key water is to climate conversation.”
Advocating for the elevation of water into local and international conversations is a priority with AWP. In attending World Water Week, Kylie will be supporting AWP’s contributions to the event, in particular the greater focus on indigenous voices from around the world in water management and conversations.
“Water unites us but I’m always curious about the things that separate us. This is a great opportunity to learn about the experiences from other parts of the world, especially expert indigenous voices. Coming together in Stockholm is a chance to develop ideas in overcoming these divides as well as what we can and should do to learn from other voices and perspectives.”
The global mix of attendees at World Water Week 2025 is appealing for Kylie’s struggle to raise water in more conversations, “When you’re in an environment populated by fellow climate advocates there is more optimism than working alone – the energy is inspiring and I’ll be surrounded by others who recognise the dire ramifications of ignoring water’s place in the climate discussion.”
Kylie’s approach is that of “a multi-pronged attack”. She wants to see water repeated again and again in these conversations to build a groundswell of genuine interest.
“Many people might already be critical of climate change actions, but if a vital and finite commodity such as water is ignored in addressing climate change, these efforts may be for naught. The short and long term consequences if we continue neglecting a most fundamental part of our global ecosystem belie the extent to which water is promoted.”
World Water Week is an opportunity for people to approach Kylie and share their efforts and/or perspective in countering the appearance of humanity “as a developed society simply taking water for granted.” She is hoping to spark conversations and share other viewpoints and experiences with our AWP networks.
“Water has been sorely overlooked in climate conversations and no one can tell me why?” Kylie wonders, “…is it simply raising more awareness around water issues and repeating those messages, or uniting with enough water advocates around the world to reach that necessary tipping point?”
“We MUST raise the profile of water, and it’s going to take a collective effort to do it.”