Winston Yu serves as the Water Practice Manager for the Europe and Central Region at the World Bank. He has been with the Bank since 2005, contributing to projects and studies across South and East Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. His areas of expertise encompass river basin management, hydrologic modeling, flood forecasting and management, transboundary water issues, irrigation modernization, water institutions, and climate change adaptation. Prior to his tenure at the World Bank, Mr. Yu was a Senior Researcher at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), focusing on water and climate change modeling studies. He also held the position of Science Officer at the US Department of State, addressing water issues in the Middle East, including Iraq. Additionally, he served as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, where he instructed courses on international water issues. Mr. Yu holds a PhD in environmental science and engineering from Harvard University.

Water is the cornerstone of a sustainable planet—vital for human life, agriculture, and ecosystems. However, a staggering number of people still lack access to clean water and safe sanitation, while facing the constant threat of floods and droughts. The magnitude of this issue is overwhelming: global spending on water currently stands at approximately $164 billion annually, yet over $1 trillion per year is required to achieve water security and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.  Many obstacles hinder progress, including inefficient resource utilization, underpricing, and a lack of sufficient incentives. Additionally, political and institutional complexities further complicate efforts. Dr. Yu will delve into the World Bank's new water strategy aimed at addressing these challenges and will shed light on why such a critical resource is often neglected and mismanaged.