Water Can’t Wait: Reflections on World Water Day

Every March 22nd, World Water Day reminds us of the vital importance of this essential resource—and the urgency of addressing the water crisis affecting millions around the world. At ILAN, we believe innovation is key to solving global challenges—and water is no exception.

💧 A global crisis, a shared responsibilityToday, over 3 billion people are already experiencing drought, affecting more than half of the world’s food production. Every day, 1,000 children die due to lack of clean water. If we don’t act, global economic losses could reach $8 trillion in the next 25 years due to shrinking water supplies.

🇲🇽 The water crisis in MexicoOnly 52.3% of the urban population has consistent access to drinking water—a sharp decline from previous years. And 63.4% of Mexicans report water is wasted due to leaks in their city’s infrastructure.

💡 A call to action through dialogue and innovationTo address these challenges, ILAN brought together leading experts in a panel discussion focused on sustainable water solutions. Together, we explored urgent questions like:

• Is “Day Zero” coming for Mexico? Who’s responsible for the water crisis?

• Water infrastructure vs. roads: Why do we keep investing in highways instead of securing water access?

• The Israeli example: How did Israel solve its water crisis with desalination—and why hasn’t Mexico done the same despite thousands of kilometers of coastline?

👥 Meet the voices driving change:

• Tamara Luengo Schreck – Water resource management expert & founder of @Aqueducto

• Jorge Arditti – Founding partner, Arditti + RDT Architects

• Leonardo Rico Fernández – CEO at Lluvia Sólida

• Ariel Gonzalez – Strategic alliances expert, collaborator at Watergen

• Marco Sandoval Saldaña – Director of Special Projects at Ion Ag+ & Co-founder of Water for Happiness Foundation

• Moderator: Regina Hernández Álvarez – Expert in Government Affairs & Business Strategy

📌 Key takeaway: Solving the water crisis requires immediate action and a bold, innovative mindset. Technology and cross-sector collaboration are essential to building a sustainable future.

🌎 Change starts now.Join the conversation and share your ideas: What initiatives could transform water management in Mexico and beyond?

🎥 Watch the full panel on our YouTube channel: @ilannetwork https://youtu.be/LrG-1wiEyj8?si=x0huN5BLcDAQopka