”"We all have a responsibility for water preparedness. At FORUM26 we meet to train together."”

This is what Christina Nordin, Director General of the Swedish National Food Administration, says.

The Swedish National Food Agency is the sector coordinating authority for the food supply and drinking water emergency sector, which also includes sewage. The mission includes contributing to ensuring that there is sufficient drinking water in times of crisis and war. This requires knowledge at all levels about responsibilities, dependencies and the conditions of different actors. It is a task that is never finished, but constantly needs to be developed. That is why Christina, together with several colleagues from the Swedish National Food Agency, is participating in FORUM26 on November 19 in Stockholm.

Why is FORUM26 important for the National Food Agency?

We support municipalities through guidance, exercises and investment grants, among other things, and lead the national coordination group for drinking water. To be able to do this, we need to understand the realities, challenges and opportunities of other actors. The more we learn from and listen to each other, the better we can strengthen preparedness together.

What do you feel is most important when the water supply is under strain?

That we are prepared, that we already have close contacts, understand each other's roles and have practiced together. Municipalities have the main responsibility for water and sewage services, but are dependent on authorities, companies, suppliers and other actors. Those relationships cannot wait to be built until the crisis is here. It is also important that the public acts according to the advice given on water use.

What do you hope everyone who participates in FORUM26 will take away?

Increased knowledge, inspiration and new contacts, but above all, that what we learn is put into practice. Everyone needs to be secure in their own mission and at the same time think about how they can contribute to making the whole work better.

What are you most looking forward to?

The exercises and scenarios. By testing who does what, who contacts whom and who takes responsibility, we can discover which questions we still need to be able to answer.

FORUM26 will be held on November 19th at Posthuset in Stockholm.

Join us in strengthening Sweden's water and sanitation preparedness, secure your place at FORUM26

Water Industry FORUM Water industry