European Sustainable Development Week 2025 : OiEau at the heart of climate change adaptation
The European Sustainable Development Week 2025 (ESDW), which runs from 18 September to 8 October, is focusing this year on an issue that is more crucial than ever: adaptation to climate change.
In the face of droughts, floods and the increasing scarcity of natural resources, this theme is fully in line with the missions and expertise of the International Office for Water (OiEau), which has been working for more than 35 years to promote sustainable and resilient water management in France, Europe and internationally.
In 2025, ESDW coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This edition highlights the need to adapt our territories to the effects of climate change, the role of local authorities, businesses, associations and citizens, and the importance of concrete, local solutions to address a global issue.
OiEau, a key player in climate adaptation
The theme chosen for ESDW 2025 is fully in line with the four areas of expertise of OiEau, which positions itself as a key player in climate resilience.
OiEau takes concrete action:
• With the Spongescapes project, OiEau is developing knowledge about the sponge function of soils and aquatic ecosystems, an essential approach for absorbing water during periods of flooding and releasing it during periods of drought. This research contributes directly to limiting the impact of extreme events linked to climate change.
• The NATALIE project supports local authorities in implementing nature-based solutions (wetland restoration, river renaturation, stormwater management). These solutions are at the heart of the sustainable adaptation strategies promoted by SEDD 2025.
• Through the Bali Coalition and its role in training networks, INBO and OiEau place capacity building at the centre of SDG 6 (drinking water and sanitation). Training engineers, technicians and decision-makers means giving regions the means to anticipate and act in the face of climate crises.
• OiEau supports local authorities and governments in implementing Integrated Water Management policies adapted to local realities. Its work in more than 80 countries shows that adaptation is a global challenge requiring shared responses.
Full compliance with ESDW 2025
Where ESDW 2025 calls for ‘mobilising for a resilient future’, OiEau concretely illustrates this vision:
- Its scientific projects respond to climate challenges (drought, flooding).
- Its nature-based solutions translate innovation into tangible actions.
- Its training programmes give local and international actors the keys to take action.
- Its territorial and international roots reflect the need for a coordinated, multi-level response.
With its multiple areas of expertise, innovative projects and international commitment, OiEau demonstrates every day that water is at the heart of the solutions.