Finland: Hannele Pokka appointed to Water and Climate Leaders Panel

NordenBladet — Former minister and permanent secretary Hannele Pokka, currently Professor of Practice in environmental liability at the University of Helsinki, has been appointed to the Water and Climate Leaders Panel, established by the World Meteorological Organisation.

The high-level group of experts was established on the initiative of Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), to accelerate the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) relating to water and sanitation. The panel consists of both present and former heads of state and ministers, and representatives of civil society organisations, the private sector and youth.

At the current rate, the goal of ensuring water and sanitation for all, set in the 2030 Agenda, will not be met according to plan. States of emergency caused by climate change are directly linked to water: climate change weakens the availability of water and exacerbates damages caused by droughts worldwide. Clean water is a precondition for achieving the other SDGs. The importance of water supply, sanitation and hygiene has become highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Water as a human right
The appointment of Professor Hannele Pokka to the high-level panel strengthens Finland’s role as an operator in the water sector. Finland’s international water strategy (Finnish Water Way), is an approach drawn up by five ministries, which builds up responsible and equitable water security. “Finland has a high profile as an expert in the water sector. Our water strategy and expertise arouse interest around the world,” Professor Pokka says.

“In the Water and Climate Leaders Panel, I will concentrate on strengthening the knowledge base and global monitoring systems as well as on ensuring that water and climate matters are handled as an integral entity, not separately. It is of paramount importance to underline the human right to water and sanitation.”

Climate change underscores the urgency
The Water and Climate Leaders Panel was officially launched at a UN High-Level Meeting on the water-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda, held on 18 March 2021.Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari represented Finland at the meeting.

“The pace of climate change and its impact on water circulation underscore the urgent need to tackle the matter, which is why I warmly welcome the establishment of the high-level Water and Climate Leaders Panel. It is a great honour for Finland that Professor Pokka was appointed to the panel. The panel is essential in providing guidance on the promotion of integrated water and climate policies and agendas,” Minister Skinnari said.