Call for Expressions of Interest now open for the XXI World Water Congress
Host the global water community.
Call for Expressions of Interest is now open: October – December 2026
Read the Terms of Reference
IWRA has opened the call to submit Expressions of Interest to co-host and co-organise the XXI World Water Congress.
Following the XX World Water Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye, in October 2027, the XXI edition will continue a legacy of over five decades of bringing the international water community together to connect water science and policy.
World Water Congress: 50+ years of water dialogue
The IWRA World Water Congress is a major international gathering of the global water community and IWRA’s flagship and most established event.
Since its first edition in Chicago in 1973, the Congress has served as a platform for advancing water knowledge, informing policy discussions and developing initiatives with impact beyond the Congress itself.
Held every two to three years in different regions of the world, the World Water Congress brings together policymakers, researchers, practitioners and organisations from across the water sector to advance shared water priorities.
Key outcomes from prior Congresses have included:
- Contributing to establishment of the World Water Council
- Supporting the creation of the French Water Clusters
- Expanding international recognition for Scotland’s Hydro Nation programme
- Launching the World Water Envoys Programme
- Serving as milestone events in the development of the past World Water Forums
- Most recently, producing the XIX Morocco Congress Ministerial Declaration of the XIX World Water Congress in Morocco, that called for accelerated progress on SDG 6 and Integrated Water Resources Management
Why host the World Water Congress?
Hosting the World Water Congress creates an opportunity to bring the global water community directly to your destination while spotlighting national expertise, priorities and solutions on an international stage.
For the host, the Congress can:
- Strengthen the host’s international profile and leadership in freshwater management
- Showcase national and regional expertise, research and innovation to a global audience
- Connect local actors with international experts and decision-makers while creating opportunities for new partnerships and collaboration
- Bring economic and tourism benefits through international delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners
- Create a lasting legacy, with opportunities for community engagement, capacity-building, and initiatives that continue beyond the Congress
Become the XXI World Water Congress host
The Call for Expressions of Interest is open October–December 2026.
The Terms of Reference provide details on the selection process, hosting requirements, responsibilities and the next stages for shortlisted candidates.
We encourage interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest. Please contact us at office@iwra.org with any questions.
