Discover key information on one of the world’s leading events this year dedicated to freshwater management in island contexts.
We are pleased to share that the first announcement of the 2nd Islands Water Congress is now available. The Congress will take place in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from 9–11 December 2026, under the theme: “Resilient Islands: Securing Water for Sustainable Development in a Changing World.”
The Islands Water Congress is one of the world’s leading events dedicated to freshwater management in island contexts. This 2nd edition is proudly co-hosted by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Water Resources Authority of Jamaica (WRA).
The first announcement contains key information to help you plan your participation, active engagement, and travel arrangements, including:
- Tentative programme and key themes
- Guidelines for proposal submission and registration
- Engagement opportunities, including sponsorship
- Practical travel information and venue details
- … and much more
Island freshwater challenges
Islands face unique water management conditions that are often not adequately addressed by frameworks developed for continental settings. At the same time, each island – even those in the same region – experiences distinct freshwater realities shaped by geography, scale, climate vulnerability, governance structures, and economic and demographic change.
Held over two to three days every two years, the Islands Water Congress brings together island governments, practitioners, researchers and communities to advance freshwater management approaches tailored to island contexts.
Why take part?
This second edition builds on the significant impact of the inaugural 2024 islands Congress in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, which brought together nearly 200 participants from more than 40 countries and islands. Among its key outcomes was the establishment of the Tórshavn Dialogue on Sustainable Freshwater Management on Islands, a new framework designed to strengthen cooperation and shared learning among island jurisdictions.
In Montego Bay, the 2nd Islands Water Congress focuses on climate resilience in islands, including critical real-world lessons from Hurricane Melissa and other recent climate events affecting island communities.By attending, you join a high-level programme designed to translate knowledge into practice through plenaries, technical sessions, and interactive workshops. Beyond the formal sessions, the Congress also creates space for deeper collaboration and strategic partnerships through cultural activities and informal exchanges among participants.
Important dates
- Call for Proposals: open now – deadline 30 April
- Registration opens: 23 March
- 23 March – 30 June 2026 – Early-bird registration
- 1 July – 31 August 2026 – Regular registration
- 1 Sep – 23 Nov 2026 – Late registration
Join us in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from 9–11 December 2026.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2nd Islands Water Congress!
