The International Conference on Water, Peace, and Security (WPS 2025) is set to bring together some of the most influential figures in global water management, peacebuilding, and security.
With the urgent need to address the intersection of these pressing issues, the conference promises to offer valuable insights from distinguished experts across various sectors.
The lineup of keynote speakers reflects the diversity and depth of knowledge that will shape the discussions at this pivotal event.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo – Former President of Ghana
A leading voice in African politics, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is the former president of Ghana and an accomplished lawyer.
Having served two terms as president from 2017 to 2024, his leadership steered Ghana through significant political and economic reforms.
Akufo-Addo has long advocated for sustainable development, good governance, and regional security, and his experience will offer unique perspectives on the role of water in conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Africa.
H.E. Outi Holopainen – Under-State Secretary for Foreign and Security Policy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Outi Holopainen brings a wealth of experience from her role as the Under-State Secretary for Foreign and Security Policy at the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Appointed in 2023, she has been deeply involved in Finland’s diplomatic work for over two decades, with previous postings in Stockholm, Bonn, Lisbon, and Addis Ababa.
Holopainen's extensive background in arms control, security policy, and crisis management positions her as a leading voice on the intersection of diplomacy, security, and environmental sustainability.
Frederic Gateretse-Ngoga – Member of the WPS Advisory Committee and Senior Advisor for International Partnerships, Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Commission of the African Union
Ambassador Frederic Gateretse-Ngoga has more than 14 years of experience in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and conflict prevention.
His work within the African Union, particularly in the AMISOM peacekeeping mission in Somalia, has given him invaluable insight into the complexities of water, peace, and security in conflict zones.
As an advisor for the AU Border Programme and regional security mechanisms, his expertise will be crucial in understanding how water resources can either exacerbate or alleviate tensions in Africa’s most vulnerable regions.
Dr. Madiodio Niasse – Director of Dakar Water Hub
A renowned consultant specialising in water, land, and environmental governance, Dr. Madiodio Niasse brings decades of expertise to the table.
His leadership at the Dakar Water Hub and his former positions with the African Development Bank and the Global Water Partnership make him a distinguished advocate for sustainable water management in West Africa.
His work on environmental governance and land management will provide valuable insights into the broader implications of water scarcity and conflict in the region.
Karin Roelofs – Former Head of the Water Team at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Karin Roelofs, a seasoned expert in international cooperation and water policy, has spent over three decades shaping the Netherlands’ approach to water diplomacy.
As the former head of the Water Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roelofs has worked across rural and urban development, as well as climate, energy, and environmental policy.
Her experiences in Pakistan, Zambia, and the USA have deepened her understanding of the global water crisis, making her an essential voice in discussions on integrated water resource management.
Violet Matiru – Independent Consultant for Various Development Agencies
Violet Matiru is an experienced consultant focused on sustainable development and natural resource management.
With an MBA from Colorado State University, she is passionate about community-driven solutions to development challenges.
As the Executive Director of the Millennium Community Development Initiatives Foundation, Matiru has worked extensively with rural communities to advance inclusive, sustainable practices.
Her work in nonprofit management, program evaluation, and rural development will offer a unique perspective on how water can be a tool for both peace and sustainable development.
Abdoul Aziz Alhousseini – Voice4Thought, Mali Youth
Abdoul Aziz Alhousseini represents the voice of the youth at this year’s conference. As a youth representative for Voice4Thought, a foundation promoting inclusive debate on social, political, and economic issues,
Alhousseini brings a fresh, forward-thinking perspective on the challenges faced by young people in the Sahel region, particularly regarding water scarcity, security, and sustainable development.
His insights are invaluable in understanding the role of youth in shaping future water and peace policies.
Professor Pieter van der Zaag – Head of the Land and Water Management Department, IHE Delft
A pioneer in integrated water resources management, Professor Pieter van der Zaag’s research spans over four decades and focuses on agricultural water management, transboundary river basin governance, and water allocation.
At IHE Delft, he has led major interdisciplinary research and capacity-building projects across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Van der Zaag’s deep expertise in managing water systems in regions with shared water resources makes him a key figure in understanding how water governance can promote peace and cooperation across borders.
Yasir Mohamed – Head of WPS and Associate Professor of Water Resources Management at IHE Delft
A prominent figure in water resources management, Yasir A. Mohamed has a unique perspective on the challenges of water, peace, and security.
As the head of the Water, Peace, and Security Programme at IHE Delft, and a former Minister of Water Resources in Sudan, he has firsthand experience in managing water crises in politically sensitive regions.
Mohamed’s work on hydrology and water resources, combined with his diplomatic background, will provide key insights into how water can be a tool for conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
These distinguished speakers, with their diverse expertise in water management, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and sustainable development, will shape the future of water-related security and peacebuilding strategies.
The WPS 2025 conference offers a unique platform for global leaders, policymakers, and experts to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration on one of the world’s most pressing issues.