The IWA 2026 World Water Congress & Exhibition took place in Glasgow (UK), from Oct 4 through to Oct 8. The event is the 15th of its series and it has featured a comprehensive technical programme selected by a global expert committee, with presentations, workshops, and posters showcasing the latest knowledge and innovation. The week has brought together utility leaders, academics, government, NGO representatives, tech providers, consultants, media, and cross-sectoral expertise from agriculture, urban planning, ICT, finance and more. For World Waternet, this event marked continued collaboration, as although Peter Jansen (former WWN COO) joined Ramboll in September, collaboration remains strong.
Lessons from the IWA: the global state of the Water Sector
The IWA 2026 WWCE was a week buzzing with energy, ideas, innovation, partnerships and experts from every corner of the world – all ready to share, exchange, learn, and make a difference.
Given the breadth and wealth of the event’s programme, it is an impossible task to summarise the discussions. We therefore offer a couple of key messages and reflections:
1. The knowledge is already there
We have the knowledge, expertise, experience, technical solutions and commitments. We must now collectively turn the commitments into action and measurable impact.
2. Together we are more efficient
The shared purpose of the water community is to move towards implementation – efficiently and as fast as possible. It is good to acknowledge the progress we’ve made towards achieving the SDG6 goals (and we’ve come a long way), but we are nowhere near where we had wished to be. To move forward, we know that we need to move together. Partnerships are key.
3. Dare to share what doesn’t work
During the Utilities Leaders Forum, the need to share knowledge and experiences was stressed. Notably: “Share your vulnerabilities and failures, because that is how we navigate learning and progress happens”.
4. Invest in continuity
Investment is continuity means investment in capacity and capabilities (of organisations, therefore of people). In other words, the development of the workforce is an enabler for transitioning towards breaking down silos. That is how we move away from isolated intervention, towards systematic improvements.
5. Inclusion Means Creating Space for More Voices
The Women in Water programme was an additional highlight, showcasing the necessity to bring forward the fundamental contribution of women in the sector, and beyond, and to share their stories. These stories not only empower one another but, importantly, demonstrate what the sector still needs to work on in terms of culture and inclusion. Equally inspiring was the involvement of young professionals, who brought energy, passion, and new ideas to the conference, and whose inclusion in the main programme and its delivery showed that they are already shaping the future of the sector.
Not a goodbye, more of a see you later
The week also marked the start of a new chapter for Peter Jansen (former COO of World Waternet). It was a great opportunity to introduce Chrysoula to new contacts and hand over knowledge, relationships, and ongoing dossiers. While Peter may have a new affiliation, our collaboration continues. That's one of the strengths of the water sector: we're connected by shared ambitions, common values, and the understanding that lasting impact comes from working together.
In Peter's own words:
With great pleasure and gratitude I have joined IWA Glasgow where I co-chaired a session on Partnerships and collaboration in water. A session where all elements came together; climate, community engagement, healthy water cycles and crossing borders. Just like World Waternet where I got the opportunity to work across borders in the water cycle in different countries and that taught me that collaboration and learning from local communities can give us insights to develop new (technological) solutions together.
It was also my hand over to Chrysoula who will continue this journey at World Waternet. I went from the Dutch pavilion to the Danish pavilion and became a member of the Ramboll family. As per 1 September I am Head of the Global Advanced Water and Wastewater treatment department and remain connected to the water cycle and continue connecting with everyone who has this same passion for water. Thank you World Waternet and all partners and as my water journey continues I hope you will join us to make water a global common good again!
