IWK top 4 leaders in SDG pledge at Global Water Summit in London

NATIONAL sewerage company Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd has been recognised as one of the top four leaders for the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) Pledge at the recent 2024 Global Water Summit.

The other three are Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority from Cambodia, National Water & Sewerage Corporation from Uganda and Sanepar from Brazil.

The summit, held in London recently, gathered around 900 water players ranging from the water industry; bringing together professionals, stakeholders, and experts from around the world to discuss key challenges, innovations, and opportunities in the water sector.

It covered a wide range of topics including water management, technology, finance, policy, and sustainability, serving as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration to address global water issues collectively.

In a press release, IWK stated that the acknowledgment highlights its “unwavering dedication and global impact in striving towards achieving its SDG6 2030 commitment”.

“As one of the esteemed 300 Water Leaders Initiative, IWK's recognition underscores its pivotal role in elevating ambition and raising awareness of SDG6 on a global scale. Notably, our SDG6 pledges are aligned with our overarching business plan strategy, encompassing initiatives such as extending its connected wastewater services in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, enhancing scheduled desludging acceptance rates and fostering green and circular economy initiatives through our waste-to-wealth programme.

Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, emphasised that IWK’s achievement marks a significant milestone for both the company and the nation as a whole.

“It is inspiring to witness Malaysia step onto the global stage, standing shoulder to shoulder with leaders from the utilities industry worldwide. This recognition IWK has achieved certainly fuels our longstanding commitment to a greater green and sustainability mission, aligningwith Malaysia’s ‘Madani’ aspirations,” he said.

Global Water Leaders Group executive director William Muhairwe also commended IWK for its remarkable SDG6 pledge and ongoing efforts, foreseeing them as a “potential global benchmark for the future”.

“IWK’s achievement of being ranked among the top four in SDG6 evaluation among 300 Global Water Utilities marks a significant milestone and a source of pride for the organisation,” he said.

The evaluation, conducted by the Global Water Intelligence, thoroughly assessed the organisation’s credibility, strategies planned with implementation statuses and successes supported by evidences.

IWK chairman Ahmad Johnie Zawawi expressed the company’s heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Fadillah; the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and all stakeholders and IWK customers for their continuous support.

“Being recognised as the top four SDG champion is truly a momentous occasion for IWK. My deepest gratitude to all IWK board of directors, management team and all the staff for their unwavering commitment in all of the sustainability efforts in achieving our SDG6 agenda,” he said.

“As IWK marks its 30th anniversary this year, it takes pride in its dedication to serving all Malaysians. Continuing to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development, the company focuses on responsible management of sewerage systems, protection of public health, fostering innovative green practices and championing environmental conservation for the nation’s overall well-being.”

IWK CEO Narendran Maniam added that IWK remains committed to the continuous pursuit of excellence across all aspects of our operations, with a particular focus on advancing environmental conservation efforts in line with Malaysia's overarching commitment to fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

“As we forge ahead, we remain steadfast in our resolve to innovate, collaborate and lead by example, fostering a sustainable future for generations.”