Water Week UK launches with The Wombles, Wastebuster & The United Nations
A few weeks ago we had the honour to sponsor and attend the launch of the very first UK Water Week at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Initiated by Katy Newnham, founder of Wastebuster and in partnership with Products of Change, the opening event brought together an inspiring mix of educators, entertainers, and environmental advocates. It was an incredibly refreshing experience to see such a dedicated assembly of individuals, all united by a common cause – the conservation and stewardship of our water.
With Orinoco there to welcome the guests upon arrival, the event soon kicked off with a stirring keynote by Caroline Petit from the United Nations, her words underscored the urgency of the situation, highlighting water scarcity and its cascading effects on health, education, and poverty. But amidst these realities, we felt a huge surge of hope as the audience was called to action, a reminder that even small efforts can lead to significant changes. After all, we Wombles know a thing or two about making a big difference with small steps!Â
The stars of the evening were the many Youth Ambassadors who took to the stage with such confidence and conviction. Particularly eight-year-old Youth Ambassador Moshka Roy. Her impassioned speech about water pollution and wastage resonated deeply with everyone present. With wisdom beyond her years, she reminded us that the future belongs to the youth of today and that it is our responsibility to ensure they inherit a world where clean water is a given, not a luxury.
As the event continued we were particularly encouraged by the collaborative spirit that permeated the room. Exciting and innovative representatives from Warner Bros. Discovery, the LEGO Group, Open Planet, Brave Blue World and other notable organisations pledged their support, emphasising the power of storytelling and education in fostering a generation of water stewards.Â
Monika Oomen of Warner Bros. Discovery articulated this perfectly, noting that their commitment to initiatives like UK Water Week can help change the narrative around water conservation. It was moving to witness such a collective commitment to a cause that affects us all and the buzz of energy and motivation demonstrated by speakers with such dedication and care could be tangibly felt by all in attendance.Â
The launch for the UK’s very first Water Week was a resounding success, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time. As Wombles, we left the event feeling inspired and determined to continue our efforts in raising awareness about water conservation. The evening emanated with the power of unity and collaboration, reminding us all that, just like the tidying up we do on Wimbledon Common, every little bit helps when it comes to protecting our precious water resources, local environment and this big beautiful planet we are so lucky to call home.