Wetskills-NL 2025 – blog 12 –
What an exciting day! The combination of Integrated Leaders Forum & Aquatech was amazing! Starting with keynotes in the morning, and ending with karaoke, how did we spend our day?
We met, 9:00am Entrance D in the RAI Amsterdam, with 50% of participants hungover 🙂 There were concurrent events: The Integrated Leaders Forum (ILF) and the Aquatech Innovations Forum. After a warm welcome, we got to learn about some of the innovative water solutions, and the scale of the global water challenges. Demonstrating to us the need for collaboration across sectors and borders. It was an amazing way to get us thinking about how we should approach water management.
All the excitement of the day was built up, and it was time for the Wetskills Awards Ceremony. Drumroll, please……. The winning team was AI-Driven Wastewater Treatment Framework, a case from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). They amazed the jury with a forward-thinking strategy to optimize wastewater using AI. They showed how Unsupervised Machine Learning Models, when programmed correctly, can suggest new wastewater treatment processes, and integrate engineered microbial solutions. A perfect example of how future technology can save current water challenges!
Photo: Best Ever WetSkills Project
The afternoon came with roundtable discussions, and us participants moderating the tables. It came with no presentations or slides, just raw brain power around water related topics. We got the chance to put forth our big ideas with regards to water governance, collaboration, and overall, how to make a real impact.
After all the formal sessions, it was finally time to unwind. This started at a networking dinner at Olofs Kapel, a stunning historical venue. Good food, but even better people & drinks 🙂 We also have to be grateful that Lfuno finally got his chicken, and clearly enjoyed every bite and sip of beer! The real night started at the karaoke bar. From an unbiased standpoint, Ameer won the ‘Performance Of The Night’ with his performance of Another Love, a truly heartfelt moment, however, judging by the crowd’s lack of reaction, it is unclear if anybody actually enjoyed it. Let’s just leave it at I (Ameer) had a lot of fun :)) On a side note, the management at Olofs Kapel has gotten in contact, apparently two wine bottles have gone missing, and one Boer, if anyone has any information of who’s been misbehaving, please contact Big Boss.
Photo: Lfuno Waiting For Chicken 😛
Photo: Evidence
