Host Country Programme
The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition will feature a comprehensive technical programme selected by a global expert committee, with presentations, workshops, and posters showcasing the latest knowledge and innovation. This will be complemented by an exciting host country programme led by the UK water sector which you can learn more about below.
A message from our Congress Co-presidents…
Alex Plant
Peter Simpson
UK Thematic Forums
Landscape-scale Climate and Nature Resilience Forum
With catchments vulnerable to the effects of climate change, nature based solutions have never been so important. This forum will discuss how we will align partners, secure funding, and sustain benefits long term.
Find out more information and register for the Landscape-scale Climate and Nature Resilience Forum here
This forum will provide delegates with the opportunity to share how their country’s policies fare with other nations and hear from leaders from nations whose policy approaches manage rain well where it lands.
Find out more information and register for the Managing Rainwater Forum here
Managing Rainwater Forum
Bioresources Forum
Circular economy thinking can turn today’s waste into tomorrow’s high value resources. This forum will consist of two sessions around how solids from wastewater can become useful resources by designing circularity.
Find out more information and register for the Bioresources Forum here
One Health Forum
Water, society's health and wellbeing are highly interconnected, and face emerging threats to water quality. This forum will discuss water and wellbeing, water and food and society’s role in water quality.
Find out more information and register for the One Health Forum here
Operations Challenge
The 2026 IWA Operations Challenge brings a modern, hands‑on take to practical water operations. Centred on a live Control Room simulation, teams will tackle a realistic environmental emergency impacting both clean and wastewater networks - protecting customer supplies while minimising environmental impact under pressure.
Using digital tools, live data and performance metrics, teams are pitted against each other in an inclusive and engaging challenge designed to showcase the future skills shaping the global water sector.
Participants of all experience levels will be encouraged to collaborate, learn and explore how advanced control systems can transform operational response for the benefit of customers and the environment.
Visitors to the Congress are encouraged to sign up online to join a three‑player team, with sessions running across all four days of the event.
UK Cultural Event
Enjoy an unforgettable evening at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, one of Scotland's most prestigious venues nestled in Kelvingrove Park in the West End of the city. The cultural event will take place on the evening of Wednesday 7 October.
The event will celebrate the best of what Scotland and the UK has to offer through an blend of immersive national heritage experiences including food, drink, music and art. This exclusive event will also offer you the opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art galleries with some surprises along the way!
All of this can be enjoyed within a spectacular setting perfect for creating lasting connections with colleagues beyond the conference floor.
We look forward to welcoming you to a fun evening of inspiration, connection, and unforgettable memories at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.
BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR THE UK CULTURUAL EVENT NOW
Technical Tours
Technical Tours will be a critical part of the IWA Glasgow Congress, giving delegates the opportunity to enjoy a more comprehensive and hands-on experience. These tours will showcase the very best of what Glasgow and Scotland has to offer in terms of water and wastewater innovation, promoting the power of visionary thinking, technical excellence, and high quality collaboration.
The full technical tour list along with promotional content can be found through the IWA Congress website
TECHNICAL TOUR TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO BUY SOON
FLAGSHIP TOUR: SAIL THE ICONIC STEAMSHIP SIR WALTER SCOTT AT LOCH KATRINE
Glasgow Summit
In the face of dramatic news cycles covering the climate crisis, it’s easy to forget that for decades investment in water infrastructure and services investment has not kept up with demand. Programmes of actions and deadlines are in place to meet common global goals but investment has not kept up with demand. As economic and social environments evolve, and as new constraints and complexities of water sector markets arise there is a need to revisit how these programmes will be funded.
The International Water Association and the UK as Host Country to the World Water Congress in 2026 will convene a High-Level Summit to explore the role institutions and corporate organisations can play to ensure sustained financing and to consider implications for attracting private and commercial finance. This will take place ahead of the UN Water Conference in December.
