New Delhi witnessed a poignant address by German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann at the IGSTC Strategic Conclave 2026 held at Vigyan Bhawan. Amid discussions on cutting-edge innovations, the envoy turned spotlight on India’s escalating water crisis, calling for equitable distribution through advanced technology.
Ackermann commended India’s flawless hosting of the India AI Impact Summit, where over 80 nations endorsed a landmark declaration on artificial intelligence. ‘India has once again proven itself an exceptional host for global events,’ he noted, highlighting the satisfaction of Germany’s Digitization Minister who attended.
Shifting focus to water management, Ackermann emphasized its urgency not just in India but worldwide. ‘Water is our most vital natural resource,’ he declared, pointing to global tensions like China’s proposed dams on the upper Brahmaputra. He stressed the need for smarter, fairer ways to manage and share clean water, especially in urban areas facing acute shortages.
The ambassador praised the conclave’s emphasis on water resource management, aligning it with IGSTC’s 2026 funding priorities. Drawing from a speech by a field expert working on rural Indian rivers, he underscored collaborative brainstorming among scientists, researchers, and on-ground workers.
‘We’ve been careless with water for too long,’ Ackermann warned, echoing UN recognition of access to drinking water as a human right. He advocated for sustainable practices ensuring benefits for all, positioning India-Germany partnerships as key to innovative solutions.
This conclave marks a timely step toward addressing one of humanity’s pressing challenges, with technology poised to bridge gaps in equitable water access.