The newest OU International Water Prize winner will be selected at the next Symposium on September 4, 2024

 

The actual Water Prize is a blown glass of the world
in the shape of a water droplet.

The purpose of the OU International Water Prize (“the Prize”) is to recognize and honor an individual, acting alone or as leader of an organization, who has made significant contributions in the field of water resources, sanitation, or other aspects of water security, particularly for the benefit of disadvantaged communities in rural or remote regions. The Prize is a biennial award sponsored by the WaTER Center and is made possible by generous gifts from alumni, friends, and the OU administration. It consists of a $25,000 cash award and a glass trophy developed by a local artist. Past winners and Prize details can be found on the website. 

The Prize is believed to be the first and largest prize dedicated to water supply, water resources, and/or sanitation in emerging regions. The Directors of the WaTER Center, with input from the WaSH and water resources community, select a panel of jurors, comprised of 5-6 qualified specialists who work in the area of the field of WaSH and water security as it relates to water supply and resource planning, particularly for emerging regions. These jurors come to the OU campus in the Fall to select a new awardee. Each juror is responsible for nominating one person for the Prize. After a full day and a half of deliberations, the jurors select their top candidate. The new Prize winner is announced at an evening Symposium, an elegant affair which includes a delicious banquet and short presentations from each of the jurors.

The Symposium banquet provides a beautiful context
for the announcement of the newest Water Prize winner.