Discover the programme, register and start planning your participation in Jamaica.

Read document here | Visit Congress website

 

The Second Announcement for the 2nd Islands Water Congress is now available, bringing together the latest information on the programme, speakers, registration fees, field tours and practical information for participants.

Hosted and organised by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Water Resources Authority of Jamaica (WRA), the Congress will take place from 27–29 January 2027 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, under the theme Resilient Islands: Securing Water for Sustainable Development in a Changing World.

Ensuring island perspectives are heard

Islands face distinct freshwater challenges, shaped by factors such as climate change, limited resources, and their unique geographic conditions of island contexts. Yet their needs, experiences and solutions remain underrepresented in global water discussions.

The Islands Water Congress addresses this gap. As a leading global forum dedicated to freshwater management in island contexts, it brings together water professionals and island communities from around the world to advance practical, island-specific approaches to freshwater management. In doing so, it also works to amplify island voices in the global water dialogue.

Jamaica provides a compelling setting for these conversations. Under the theme Resilient Islands: Securing Water for Sustainable Development in a Changing World, the 2nd Islands Water Congress draws on experiences from Jamaica and islands around the world – including lessons from Hurricane Melissa – to explore how islands can build a more water-secure and resilient future.

The conversations in Montego Bay will also connect to wider international water processes. For instance, led by Jamaica’s Ministry of Climate, Environment and Water, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will convene at the Congress to build on the outcomes of the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi and carry island priorities forward in the global water agenda.

Leading voices, critical water conversations

Policymakers, water managers and technicians, researchers, academics, private-sector representatives and island communities will convene in Jamaica to share knowledge, research, innovations and shape practical approaches to managing freshwater on islands.

The Congress programme brings together leading voices from Jamaica, the Caribbean and around the world. Keynote speakers include:

• Kate Brown – Executive Director, Global Island Partnership
• Michael Taylor – Lecturer, University of the West Indies
• M. Bayani Cardenas – Professor, University of Texas

High-level representatives bring further expertise and perspectives to the discussion, including: 

• John Bowleg – Water & Environmental Manager, AEES Consulting
• Shaneica Lester – Lecturer, University of the West Indies
• Laurayne Lucky – Executive Director, Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association
• Kirstin McCarthy – Corporate Director of Sustainability, Sandals Resorts International
• Assela Pathirana – Associate Professor, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
• Natasha Ramkirpal – Water Security Strategist, Manufacturing Circle
• Christian Severin – Senior Water Specialist, World Bank
• Emily Wilkinson – Global Risks and Resilience Director, Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative
• Nayana Williams – Chief Executive Officer, Lifespan Company Limited

Experience Jamaica beyond the Congress programme

Beyond its plenary and technical sessions, the 2nd Islands Water Congress offers three field tours that give participants the opportunity to see water management in practice while exploring different parts of Jamaica.

Participants can visit: the Black River Basin, including areas affected by Hurricane Melissa; Roaring River and Dunn’s River to see how water supply, renewable energy and ecosystem preservation intersect; or Jamaica’s Managed Artificial Recharge Facility, an innovative approach to strengthening groundwater resources. Each tour also includes a cultural experience, from Appleton Estate and Dunn’s River Falls to the Bob Marley Museum. 

The programme also includes the Welcome Reception: A Taste of Jamaica and the Grand Gala Dinner Jamaican Rhythms and Flavour, creating further opportunities to connect with fellow participants and experience Jamaican culture and hospitality.

Start planning for your participation

The Second Announcement brings together everything you need to prepare for the Congress, including the tentative programme, confirmed speakers, field tours, venue and travel information, registration fees and key dates.

Early-bird registration is available until 15 September 2026, with online registration remaining open until 15 January 2027. Register now to benefit from the discounted rate!

We look forward to welcoming you to Jamaica.