Live Q&A: What does an action agenda on water policy look like?

What is the best way to get action on the problem of the global freshwater shortage - one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today?

The global water crisis has already made itself felt in a number of ways, and the problem will only worsen. But what direct action can we take to deal with the problem? And how do we make sure that the problem is at the top of the policy agenda?

Water professionals discussing this issue at a panel at World Water Week last week talked of the need to demonstrate what is actually possible. “It’s important for water professionals to demonstrate initiatives, good examples and to drive the process,” says Karin Lexen of the Stockholm International Water Institute.

There is also a need to build networks; “As a community of water professionals we need to get in there and show action [as well as] build alliances to show what can be done, ” said Dominic Waughray, head of public-private partnerships at the World Economic Forum.

So how can the water sector present its message effectively to policy makers? What are the best ways to demonstrate climate adaption and mitigation measures to leaders? And how can governments, NGOs and businesses work together to tackle the issue?

Join an expert panel on Thursday 10th September, 3-5pm BST, to discuss these questions and more.

The live chat is not video or audio-enabled but will take place in the comments section (below). Get in touch via globaldevpros@theguardian.com or @GuardianGDP on Twitter to recommend someone for our expert panel. Follow the discussion using the hashtag #globaldevlive.

The panel

Karena Albers, co-founder, Whole World Water, New York, US, @wholeworldwater and @karenaalbers
Karena is the co‐founder of Whole World Water, uniting hospitality and tourism industries to raise funds for those without clean water.

Louise Whiting, senior policy analyst, WaterAid, London, UK, @Louwahwah
Louise works on climate change policy development, climate finance tracking and water security across Africa and Asia.

Vidal Garza Cantú, director, FEMSA Foundation Monterrey, Mexico, @FEMSA
Vidal has led FEMSA Foundation since 2008. He has won the Medalha da Inconfidencia and CK Prahalad Award laureate for his work on water.

Heloise Chicou, deputy director and climate programme officer, French Water Partnership, Paris, France, @PFE_FWP
Heloise works to integrate water in climate processes such as the climate conventions (COP19, 20, and 21).

Therese Sjömander-Magnusson, director of transboundary water management, SIWI, Stockholm, Sweden, @watertherese
Therese leads SIWI’s work on water diplomacy, supporting governments and development partners to enhance cooperation on transboundary waters.

Dominic Waughray, head of public-private partnerships, World Economic Forum, Geneva, Switzerland
Dominic has led the environment and resource security agenda at the World Economic Forum since 2006.

James Williams Kisekka, project officer and consultant, Aidenvironment and Rain Foundation, Kampala, Uganda, @JamesWKisekka
James is a natural resource management professional interested in integrated water resource management, water harvesting & biomass energy