IRS 2025 Satellite Event 1: Olympic Rivers

Held in the lead-up to the 2025 International River Symposium, the Olympic Rivers satellite event marked the first in a series of online, interactive sessions, inspiring thought-provoking discussions beyond the main symposium.

Our keynote speaker, Benjamin Raigneau, Head of Sanitation and Water Department for the City of Paris, and a global panel of experts – Rebecca Arnaud, Elizabeth Sisson, Steve Richards, Dr Bill Dennison and Mina Guli – inspired and challenged us with groundbreaking initiatives, practical insights and calls to action to drive bold and ambitious commitments for our waterways. Key takeaways included the need for strong leadership and governance frameworks, dedicated investments and the involvement of partnerships and community to support ecological awareness. The event explored how cities worldwide can reclaim their rivers—making them cleaner, more accessible, and integral to urban tourism and community life.