H20
H2O
The H2O track examines global water systems as critical climate infrastructure, spanning access, treatment, reuse, resilience, and watershed management. As climate volatility places growing strain on water systems worldwide, this track focuses on solutions that can operate across jurisdictions, integrate with existing infrastructure, and scale responsibly.
Discussions are grounded in implementation realities: governance, regulation, financing, and long-term system stewardship. This includes the economics and investment structures driving water infrastructure — how capital is allocated, where market gaps persist, and what financing models are proving durable at scale. It also encompasses the digitization of water systems, from AI-enabled monitoring and predictive operations to data infrastructure that supports better decision-making across the full water cycle. And as the intersection of water and carbon comes into focus, the track addresses water's role as a carbon sink, examining wetland restoration, blue carbon frameworks, and nature-based approaches that are being stress-tested against a changing climate.
The emphasis is on moving from fragmented pilots to resilient, integrated water systems that can withstand climate stress.
2026 Track Chairs
Simon Olivier – Lead | Cycle H2O Fund
Simon Olivier leads the Cycle H2O Fund, a venture capital fund dedicated to innovative Watertech companies. Simon is an executive Leader with an international track record; mainly with GE where he started with GE Capital, then GE Renewable’s business building a multi-billion-dollar franchise and later leading the M&A /Venture for GE Canada.
Simon holds a P.Eng. degree - Polytechnique Montreal and an MBA - McGill University. He serves on several boards including BioAlert Solutions Inc, RegenEAU, and EcoFilter Tek Inc. Simon is active in the community as a member of the McGill Global Leadership Council and supporting social cause Centraide.
Emma Weisbord – Managing Director | SUEZ Digital Solutions
Emma Weisbord is Managing Director of SUEZ Digital Solutions North America, leading digital innovations that strengthen climate resilience in the water sector. She oversees decision-support platforms, digital twins, smart metering, and asset management systems that help utilities reduce energy use, optimize resources, and adapt to climate risks. With a background in environmental science and an Executive MBA candidate at John Molson School of Business, she advances data-driven solutions that improve sustainability and expand access to safe, affordable water.
Ernenek Duran – President & CEO | One Drop Foundation
Ernenek is a purpose‑driven leader advancing social and environmental impact. As President and CEO of the One Drop Foundation since 2023, he leads its strategic vision, driving systemic change and multi‑stakeholder partnerships. Formerly Senior Director of Programs and Director of Lazos de Agua, he has expanded One Drop’s global portfolio and resources. His fieldwork with Oxfam‑Québec in Honduras and Haiti and his role at EDUCA strengthened his commitment to impact. He holds an MBA from Université Laval and a Master’s from ITAM, and serves as a Global Visiting Professor at Tec de Monterrey and Board Member of the Latin American Water Council.
Lauren Alcorn – Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Relations
Lauren is a strategic leader with 20+ years in the non-profit sector, including 15 years advancing the water sector. She builds cross-sector partnerships that unite philanthropy, the private sector, and communities to drive progress toward the SDGs. A strong advocate for Indigenous rights, gender equity, and inclusion, she champions community‑driven approaches and believes in the power of art and culture to spark meaningful social change.
