Turning regional water action into global impact
The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Regional Water Congress, a new initiative designed to strengthen regional dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on freshwater management.
Building on more than five decades of experience convening the international water sector through flagship events such as the World Water Congress and the Islands Water Congress, the Regional Water Congress will serve as a focused platform to connect regional expertise with global water discussions.
Why regional?
The water cycle does not adhere to national borders. Water flows and climate impacts naturally connect regions, creating shared challenges that require coordinated responses.
At the same time, many regions are developing their own innovative approaches to managing water resources, shaped by environmental conditions, governance systems, and socio-economic realities. The capacity to share and scale these solutions is essential to advancing sustainable water management.
The Regional Water Congress creates a platform for this exchange, in which stakeholders can engage directly on regional priorities and work towards practical, context-specific solutions.
Each Congress will centre on a theme proposed by the host country. This will reflect emerging challenges and opportunities, evolving water landscapes, and new directions in freshwater management.
Host a Regional Water Congress
We are looking for partner institutions and regions ready to lead the conversation. Hosting a Regional Water Congress is an opportunity to directly tackle your own priorities, strengthen cooperation across your region and share your expertise on the global stage.
Timeline
Full Applications Submission
– Deadline: 15 June 2026
Evaluation & Shortlisting
– Review Period: 15 June – 15 July 2026
Final Decision by IWRA Executive Board
– September 2026
Signing of Memorandum of Agreement
– October – November 2026
Public Announcement of Host
– December 2026
