World Water Congress

The largest global event focused on linking water science to policy and practice.
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About our World Water Congresses

The World Water Congress provides a global platform to share experiences, foster discussion, and present new knowledge, research, and innovations in water science.

Since 1973, it has played a key role in identifying major global water priorities and bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders to support informed decision-making and action across the water sector.

XX World Water Congress - Istanbul 2027

The IWRA is pleased to announce that Istanbul, Türkiye will host the XX World Water Congress in 4-8 October 2027.

We are working alongside SUEN and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the next edition of our flagship global event.

Hosting the XX Congress in Istanbul, a city shaped by water and located at the crossroads of continents, cultures, and traditions reflects the Congress’s role as a global meeting point for water resources management.

Over 5 decades of bridging Science and Policy

The first IWRA World Water Congress was held in 1973 on the theme of the “Importance and Problems of Water in the Human Environment in Modern Times” and formed part of the international water community’s first earnest attempts to address global water issues (e.g., the ground-breaking Stockholm Declaration of 1972 and the 1977 Mar del Plata conference).

Concrete outcomes of the World Water Congress are visible at the international, national, and local levels. This includes the establishment of the World Water Council following the Congress in Cairo (1994), the strengthening of national water collaboration in France through the Montpellier Congress (2008), which led to the creation of the National French Water Cluster, increased international visibility for Scotland’s Hydro Nation programme (2015), launch of the World Water Envoys Programme (2021) and a Ministerial Declaration (2025) to accelerate progress toward SDG 6 and related goals by 2030.

Explore the world water congress over the years