IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition
Glasgow, UK | 4 – 8 October 2026
Toronto 2024 Congress in numbers
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The global event for water sector professionals
The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is the leading global event for water and allied professionals, covering the full water cycle. Held every two years by the International Water Association, it brings together thought-leaders, decision makers, top researchers, and business innovators from across and beyond the water sector to shape the future of water.
Following a highly successful 2024 edition in Toronto, the 15th Congress will take place in Glasgow, UK, in 2026, with around 10,000 participants expected from around the world.
The event features a comprehensive technical programme selected by a global expert committee, with presentations, workshops, and posters showcasing the latest knowledge and innovation. Surrounding this, a wider programme includes keynotes, panels, leadership forums, technology showcases, and an integrated trade exhibition, delivering strong impact and value.
Participants include utility leaders, academics, government and NGO representatives, tech providers, consultants, media, and professionals from sectors such as agriculture, urban planning, ICT, finance, and more.
While global in scope, each edition highlights regional expertise. The Glasgow 2026 Congress, supported by the UK water sector, offers a unique platform to connect, share insights, and spotlight UK leadership in water.
Kizito Masinde
IWA Global Events Director
“A truly global platform that showcases technical excellence“
“Glasgow 2026 will be a defining event for the global water community. With its strong commitment to climate resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth, the city offers the perfect backdrop for the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. We aim to deliver a truly global platform that showcases technical excellence as well as sparks critical dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. I encourage everyone — from emerging professionals to global leaders — to be part of it.”
Water – the foundation for resilience and prosperity
From the core basic needs of water supply and sanitation through to coordinated efforts at basin, national and regional level, action on water sustains human wellbeing, environmental health, and economic development. It underpins both resilience and prosperity.
The 2026 edition of the World Water Congress & Exhibition will provide a showcase for sharing and advancing real-world innovation and options to deliver that action.
This will include use of nature-based solutions one of the rapidly areas in which the water sector is evolving.
Faced with escalating impacts of climate change, the Congress also will offer a platform for exchanges on holistic, interconnected approaches that can drive the preservation of natural ecosystems, build personal and community resilience, and deliver greater value and unlock growth.
At the same time, the need for advances on water supply and sanitation remains vital and such advances will be at the heart of the Congress programme.
Such interconnected dimensions of the wide scope of the World Water Congress & Exhibition highlight the central importance of water. That importance is captured by the event’s theme of ‘Water action – the path to resilience and prosperity’.
Join us in Glasgow and be part of that action on water.
What to expect: Scenes from 2024 Toronto Congress
IWA membership – get the most from your participation
Membership of the International Water Association gives you access to an outstanding global network – with benefits including discounts on IWA event delegate fees and use of the IWA Connect Plus membership platform.
Stay connected as an IWA member before, during and after the Congress to showcase, discuss and contribute to the leading global network for water professionals. See member benefits and learn more at https://iwa-network.org/join/
