KIWI PROGRAM
Accelerating Climate Adaptation through Innovation and International Collaboration
KIWI stands for Climate and Innovation Programme for Dutch Water Authorities International. Initiated by the NWB Fund, the programme focuses on accelerating climate adaptation in international water projects, such as the Blue Deal.
Within KIWI, Dutch water authorities collaborate on innovative solutions to global water challenges. The participants – known as KIWI Climate Game Changers – are professionals from the water authorities who spend two years deepening their knowledge of climate adaptation, project development, and environmental management. They combine intensive learning sessions with hands-on experience in international projects.
Learn, Innovate, Connect
The programme offers a unique blend of training and international collaboration. KIWI participants not only strengthen their knowledge and skills, but also bring back new insights and networks to their work in the Netherlands.
In doing so, KIWI contributes to the professionalisation and renewal of the entire water sector – both locally and internationally.
A People- and Nature-Inclusive Approach
Through KIWI, the NWB Fund invests in climate-resilient water management in other countries, with a strong focus on both the natural environment and the communities that depend on it.
The programme promotes sustainable solutions to complex climate challenges, ranging from water scarcity to sea level rise.
KIWI Next Launches This Autumn
In September 2025, KIWI Next will begin – the third KIWI programme by the NWB Fund, aimed at training Dutch water professionals to contribute to international water management. This new edition focuses strongly on the actual implementation of projects and on personal development. By participating, you help advance integrated water management abroad, while at the same time strengthening key competencies for your work in the Netherlands. After all, Dutch projects increasingly take place in complex environments too – and working internationally is an excellent opportunity to learn how to navigate such contexts.
The KIWI Next programme is organised by Wateropleidingen. It runs for two years, from September 2025 to July 2027, and consists of eight two-day learning sessions, a kick-off and wrap-up event, webinars, coaching and peer reflection. Participants will also take part in three international working visits, contributing directly to the project they are matched with – often as part of a Blue Deal partnership. For a more detailed impression of the programme, read the stories in the KIWI Magazine at the bottom of this page.
Each Dutch water authority may nominate one participant. We are looking for professionals with a university or higher professional education background and around five years of relevant experience in the water sector. Ideal candidates are motivated, curious, communicative and flexible, and open to reflection and feedback. A good command of English is required, and knowledge of another foreign language is welcome. The NWB Fund finances most of the KIWI Next programme, but a personal contribution of €3,000 is requested from each participant via the PBB. The total time commitment amounts to 600 hours over two years.
Are you interested?
Get in touch with the international coordinator of your water authority. They can tell you more about KIWI Next and will nominate two candidates by 25 June. These candidates will prepare a one-minute video pitch explaining their motivation. In early July, they will take part in a selection interview with a team from the NWB Fund, Wateropleidingen and Blue Deal. The final selection of participants will be made based on these interviews.
In collaboration with The Blue Deal
The Blue Deal is an international partnership between the Dutch water authorities and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Infrastructure & Water.
The program runs until 2030 and aims to provide clean, sufficient, and safe water for 20 million people worldwide.
Through collaborations in 17 partnerships across 15 countries, Dutch Water Authorities (DWA) work with local partners to address climate-related water issues such as flooding, drought, and lack of clean water.
Purpose of the Program
KIWI combines theory and practice to stimulate innovation in climate solutions.
Participants attend learning sessions on climate adaptation, environmental management, and project development.
Subsequently, they work in pairs or trios on international Blue Deal projects and develop innovative solutions for issues such as:
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Coastal defense against sea level rise
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Alternative agriculture in saline conditions
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Water conservation during drought
This approach increases both capacity and expertise in climate matters, strengthening the position of water authorities internationally and locally.
NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS
