New Executive Secretary and CEO Joins Leadership Team to Boost GWP’s Mission on Water Security and Climate Resilience
Stockholm/Pretoria, 27 January 2025 — The Global Water Partnership’s (GWP) Steering Committee has unanimously selected Alex Simalabwi as Executive Secretary and CEO, effective 1 February 2025.
GWP faces an evolving international context, with shifting foreign aid priorities and increasing engagement from emerging economies. Alex will steer the organisation through this new reality, exploring fresh partnerships and funding opportunities with nations and institutions that share GWP’s vision of a water-secure world.
A Vision for Decentralisation and Global Investment
As CEO of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), Alex will lead a strategic transition toward a decentralised model. This shift is designed to:
- Empower regional hubs to better serve country partners.
- Establish regional “engines” for integrated investments in water security.
- Bring the organisation closer to those facing the highest water risks.
Furthermore, Alex will serve as the President of the Global Investment Programme (GIP) on water and climate resilience. This upcoming initiative builds on the success of the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP). As President of GIP, he will coordinate with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to align with their projected $170 billion annual climate finance commitments through 2030.
“We are pleased to have Alex lead GWP during this dynamic phase. His ability to build partnerships and mobilise resources makes him the ideal person to drive our mission of water security for all.”— Pablo Bereciartua, Chair of GWP’s Steering Committee
About Alex Simalabwi
A Zambian national and graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Alex brings over 25 years of experience in civil engineering, business administration, and public policy. Highlights of his career include:
- Investment Mobilisation: Pioneered the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa, aiming to mobilise $30 billion annually.
- Climate Leadership: As GWP’s Global Head of Climate Resilience, he helped leverage over $1.5 billion in water investments across 60 countries.
- Strategic Advocacy: Spearheaded the AIP, recognized by the UN Secretary-General as a “game-changing initiative” for the UN Water Action Agenda.
Looking to the Future
Alex Simalabwi shared his vision for the next chapter of GWP:
“Now is the right time to change the status quo. We will build on GWP’s strong foundation for bigger impacts, with unprecedented acceleration in the mobilisation of climate-resilient water investments. In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘it always seems impossible until it is done.’ Together, we can do this.”
This leadership transition follows the early retirement of Alan AtKisson, who stepped down on 31 December 2024 for medical reasons. The Steering Committee expresses its deep gratitude for Alan’s unwavering commitment and dedication.
Page last edited: 1/27/2025