Code of Conduct

  1. Introduction and Purpose

The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) is committed to ensuring that all IWRA events provide a safe, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, disability, religion or other status, and regardless of whether they are present in person or online.

This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected of all participants, defines unacceptable conduct, and explains how concerns may be raised. The Code applies to all spaces associated with any IWRA event, including online events and plenary and parallel sessions, side events, exhibitions, social functions, online platforms, and related gatherings associated with any IWRA Congress.

Participants include, but are not limited to organisers, speakers, chairs, moderators, delegates, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, partners, media representatives, and guests.

 

  1. Expected Behaviour

All participants are expected to:

  • Treat others with dignity and respect
    Engage courteously and professionally, recognising and valuing diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and expertise.
  • Promote inclusion and equity
    Contribute to an environment in which all individuals feel welcome and able to participate fully in discussions, networking and social activities.
  • Respect differing opinions
    Engage in constructive dialogue and debate without personal criticism, hostility or discriminatory remarks.
  • Act responsibly and considerately
    Be mindful of the comfort and safety of others and alert Congress staff if a participant appears distressed or a situation appears unsafe.

 

  1. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours will not be tolerated at any IWRA event:

  • Harassment, bullying, discrimination or intimidation of any kind, abuse of power, stalking, whether verbal, non-verbal, written or physical.
  • Offensive or derogatory comments relating to gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, colour, pregnancy, marital status, nationality, religion, caste, age or other personal characteristics.
  • Unwanted attention, including inappropriate physical contact or invitations.
  • Sustained disruption of conversations, presentations, meetings, sessions, or other Congress activities.
  • Recording, photographing, or distributing content involving other participants without their explicit consent.
  • Retaliation against any individual who raises a concern or makes a report under this Code.

This applies to behaviour occurring in person, on digital platforms, on social media, or at satellite and associated events linked to the Congress.

 

  1. Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

Participants asked to cease unacceptable behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant violates this Code of Conduct, IWRA reserves the right to take appropriate action, including:

  • Issuing a formal warning
  • Removing the individual from a session or event
  • Revoking speaking, exhibiting, or participation privileges
  • Expelling the individual from the meeting, event, session, or Congress without refund

IWRA will not refer the incident to local authorities without the reporter’s consent except where legally required or where there is a serious ongoing health and/or safety risk.

 

  1. Reporting and Support

If you experience or witness conduct that violates this Code:

  • Report the matter promptly
    Contact Ignacio Deregibus, IWRA Executive Director, i.deregibus@iwra.org.
  • Confidentiality
    Reports will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. IWRA will not refer the incident to local authorities without the reporter’s consent except where legally required or where there is a serious ongoing health and/or safety risk.
  • Protection from retaliation
    Retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct or assists in addressing a concern is strictly prohibited and is a violation of this Code.

 

  1. Our Shared Commitment

By attending any IWRA event, participants agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and to contribute to a professional and respectful atmosphere that fosters meaningful exchange, collaboration and learning within the global water community.

 

  1. Contact point for information and/or reporting

Ignacio Deregibus, IWRA Executive Director, i.deregibus@iwra.org