The environmental futurist Dr. Nandhivarman Muthu has been elected as a member of the United Nations World Water Quality Alliance Advisory Committee, a body of 12 experts representing regions across the globe, including Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. He is an alumnus and Green Campus Coordinator of Pondicherry University and linked to the Association for Promoting Sustainability in Campuses and Communities having consultative status with the United Nations. Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, expressed pride in this achievement, calling it an honor for the university, the region, and the nation.
The Advisory Committee’s mission is to create an inclusive, interdisciplinary platform for science and technology innovation, enhancing data sharing and community involvement. The Committee’s work is centered on advancing the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 6.3.2, focused on “increasing the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality”. The committee's vision is to transform data insights into actionable improvements at local, national, and global levels.
Over the next two years, this committee will play a crucial role in tackling global water quality challenges through innovative monitoring, data collection, and by bridging socio-political gaps between policymakers and local communities.
Among its key initiatives, the committee will contribute to global policy development through the organization of the United Nations Water Conference and support the implementation of the UN System-Wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation. Additionally, the committee will be providing guidance on promoting gender-responsive and inclusive practices, with a particular emphasis on engaging the indigenous communities in efforts to protect and restore ecosystems for human and wildlife health and well-being.