UK Led 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

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.

Nature & Resilience Forum

Circular economy thinking can turn today’s waste or ignored streams into tomorrow’s high value resources. This forum will focus on rainwater management strategies, sustainable use of bioresources, and partnerships that power circular solutions at scale.

Valuing Resources Forum

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.

More information on the IWA Congress website will be available soon.

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.

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.

Although tickets for these tours will not be available until March 2026 on the IWA Congress website, here’s a sneak peak of what to expect:

  • Glasgow’s water supply, Loch Katrine, and the Steamship Sir Walter Scott

  • New innovations at Winchburgh Waste Water Treatment works, plus Falkirk Wheel

  • Glasgow’s Smart Canal - city growth and climate adaption

  • Edinburgh’s water supply, Glencorse Water Treatment Works and Reservoir, plus Scottish Water’s largest sampling lab, Juniper House

Technical Tours

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.

Registration opens April 2026.

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.

Tickets for the Cultural Event will be available soon on the IWA Congress website