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IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition - 2025
The Water and Development Congress & Exhibition 2025 will take place in Bangkok, Thailand from 8-12 December 2025. It builds on the resounding success of the 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, which was a landmark event for water, sanitation, and climate resilience in low- and middle-income countries. Attracting nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries, the 2023 Congress featured an engaging programme of 39 technical sessions, 40 workshops, and 5 forums, including the High-Level Summit on Sanitation and the Climate Smart Utilities recognition programme. It will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.
WDCE 2023 Congress in Numbers
- 2638 Participants
- 39 Sessions
- 100+ Exhibitors
- 85 Countries
- 40 Workshops
The 2025 edition is co-hosted by Asian Institute of Technology and has the overall theme of Water, sanitation, and innovation – pathways to progress and a resilient future. The comprehensive programme will be built around five thematic tracks:
- Ensure Safe Drinking Water: Innovative approaches for treatment and supply.
- Advancing Wastewater Treatment and Sanitation Services: Sustainable solutions for all.
- Smart Water Management: Integrated approaches for effective water management and planning.
- Enhancing Utility Management and Operations for Sustainable Growth.
- Strengthening Governance and Financial Systems for Long-Term Development.
Additional features and activities will include the Exhibition – a key part of the event – and various forums and special platforms, including a forum ‘From Land to Sea: Tackling Pollutants, Protecting Health, and Restoring Ecosystems’.
Bangkok, the vibrant heart of Thailand, provides the ideal setting for this global water congress. From its urban innovations to the serene beauty of Thailand’s natural landscapes, Bangkok offers the perfect mix of tradition and modernity—mirroring the goals of the Congress to build sustainable, innovative water solutions for the future.
Stay tuned for updates on the full event programme, registration details, and how you can get involved in shaping the future of global water solutions. To know about what to expect read our Kigali Report. Together, we can make a lasting impact on sustainable development.
- A major development-focused event: Unite with experts to tackle pressing water and sanitation challenges, driving action toward the 2030 SDG targets.
- Spotlight on Asia: Delve into the Asian water sector’s unique opportunities and engage with top regional stakeholders.
- Cutting-Edge Insights: Access global research, policy advancements, and practical solutions for water and sanitation.
- Networking Opportunities: Strengthen connections and form new partnerships with professionals worldwide.
- Discover Bangkok: Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s vibrant culture and explore Thailand’s natural and urban attractions.
The International Water Association’s Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDCE) 2025 will once again deliver a comprehensive programme focused on the water-related needs of low- and middle-income countries.
With an overarching theme of Water, sanitation, and innovation – pathways to progress and a resilient future, the 2025 edition will present solutions spanning water and sanitation services, the role of water in urban areas, the links between cities and basins, and the opportunities to achieve climate resilience. It will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.
Huge investments are being directed towards water and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in the Global South, and the event will encourage participants to share knowledge on innovations in science and practice, highlighting the opportunities of securing new and effective solutions in water and sanitation policy, technology, and management.
The event will feature keynote addresses by leading sector figures, specially invited to share their experiences in shaping and delivering solutions. The programme will also provide a unique platform for water professionals to present and share their recent findings and insights. This will give you an opportunity to:
By participating in the 2025 WDCE, you will have the chance to:
- Contribute to shaping the global water agenda through your valuable work.
- Connect with leading professionals from both within and outside of the water sector.
- Learn and grow professionally with early access to the best content available.
- Network with nearly 3,000 delegates and visitors from more than 100 countries.
The programme will showcase global best practice, applied research, policy developments and solutions relating to challenges faced by water professionals in low- and middle-income countries. The five broad thematic tracks are listed below along with topics, though other relevant topics will also be considered:
THEMATIC TRACKS
- Ensure Safe Drinking Water: Innovative approaches for treatment and supply.
- Advancing Wastewater Treatment and Sanitation Services: Sustainable solutions for all.
- Smart Water Management: Integrated approaches for effective water management and planning.
- Enhancing Utility Management and Operations for Sustainable Growth.
- Strengthening Governance and Financial Systems for Long-Term Development.
TOPICS
- Addressing intermittent water supply and achieving 24/7 service
- Circular economy approaches in water and sanitation
- Climate smart approaches to water and sanitation
- Climate- Resilient water and sanitation systems
- Data-driven decision-making in water management
- Flood risk assessment and management in urban environments
- Innovations in sanitation for underserved communities
- Integrated urban drainage systems for flood risk reduction
- Integrated water resources management (IWRM) for sustainable development
- Low-cost and decentralised water and sanitation treatment solutions
- Nature-based solutions in supply, sanitation, and stormwater management
- New technologies for water treatment and supply
- Non-revenue water and leakage management
- Partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration in water management
- Resource recovery and reuse in water and sanitation management
- The role of digital technologies (IoT, AI) in water and sanitation systems
- Water and sanitation safety plans for urban and rural settings
- Water quality monitoring and early monitoring systems
The 2025 edition is co-hosted by Asian Institute of Technology and has the overall theme of Water, sanitation, and innovation – pathways to progress and a resilient future. The comprehensive programme will be built around five thematic tracks:
- Ensure Safe Drinking Water: Innovative approaches for treatment and supply.
- Advancing Wastewater Treatment and Sanitation Services: Sustainable solutions for all.
- Smart Water Management: Integrated approaches for effective water management and planning.
- Enhancing Utility Management and Operations for Sustainable Growth.
- Strengthening Governance and Financial Systems for Long-Term Development.
Additional features and activities will include the Exhibition – a key part of the event – and various forums and special platforms, including a forum ‘From Land to Sea: Tackling Pollutants, Protecting Health, and Restoring Ecosystems’. The programme also includes a High-Level Summit, the Utility Leaders Forum, the Regulators Forum, the Water Efficient Sanitation Solutions Forum, the Emerging Water Leaders Forum, and the Inclusive Urban Sanitation Forum. Scroll down to find out more about these initiatives!
- Addressing intermittent water supply and achieving 24/7 service
- Circular economy approaches in water and sanitation
- Climate smart approaches to water and sanitation
- Climate- Resilient water and sanitation systems
- Data-driven decision-making in water management
- Flood risk assessment and management in urban environments
- Innovations in sanitation for underserved communities
- Integrated urban drainage systems for flood risk reduction
- Integrated water resources management (IWRM) for sustainable development
- Low-cost and decentralised water and sanitation treatment solutions
- Nature-based solutions in supply, sanitation, and stormwater management
- New technologies for water treatment and supply
- Non-revenue water and leakage management
- Partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration in water management
- Resource recovery and reuse in water and sanitation management
- The role of digital technologies (IoT, AI) in water and sanitation systems
- Water and sanitation safety plans for urban and rural settings
- Water quality monitoring and early monitoring systems
- Create new, inspiring solutions to the world’s water development challenges
- Validate and disseminate work by presenting it at a world-class event
- Learn and grow professionally through privileged access to the best content, cross-sector knowledge, and diverse experiences
- Expand your network and meet new professional partners by engaging with the leading water experts
