Programme Overview
The XIX IWRA World Water Congress, co-organised by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Ministry of Equipment and Water of Morocco, will span five days and welcome an anticipated audience of 1,500–2,000 participants. The event’s diverse programme is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration on water-related challenges and solutions, aligning closely with the Congress’s overarching theme, “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation.”
| XIX World Water Congress 1-5 December 2025 Tentative Programme |
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| Time | Duration | 1st Day (01 Dec) | 2nd Day (02 Dec) | 3rd Day (03 Dec) | 4th Day (04 Dec) | 5th Day (05 Dec) | 6th Day (6 Dec) | |
| AM | 8:30-10:00 | 90 mins | 9:00-10:00 Opening Ceremony (60 mins) |
8:30-9 :30 IWRA Awards Ceremony 9:30 – 10:00 Bridging Science and Polic |
Regular Sessions 3 | Regular Sessions 5 | Special Sessions 8 | Technical/Cultural visits |
| 10:00-10:15 | 15 mins | Coffee break | ||||||
| 10:15-11:45 | 90 mins | HLP 1
Interconnectivity and Systems Thinking in Water Management: Bridging Sectors for Resilience |
HLP 2
The Future of Water: Gaps, Opportunities, and Global Commitments Beyond 2030 |
Announcement of Lightning Talk Winners.
HLP 3
Global Water Governance in a Changing World: Strengthening Institutions & Multilateral Cooperation |
HLP 4
Accelerating Innovation in the Water Sector from NBS to AI |
Special Sessions 9 | ||
| 11:45-12:00 | 15 mins | Exhibition Opening break |
Break | |||||
| 12:00-01:00 | 60 mins | Special Sessions 1 | Special Sessions 3 | Special Sessions 5 | Regular Sessions 6 | Closing Ceremony (90 mins) |
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| Lunch | 01:00-02:30 | 90 mins | ||||||
| Poster Sessions 1 | Poster Sessions 2 | Poster Sessions 3 | Poster Sessions 4 | |||||
| PM | 02:30-04:00 | 90 mins | Ministerial roundtable (2:00-4:30pm by invitation only) Regular Sessions 1 |
Regular Sessions 2 | Regular Sessions 4 | Hackathon 1:30PM-04:00PM | Visit to the Mohammed VI Museum of Water Civilization | |
| 04:00-04:15 | 15 mins | Coffee break | ||||||
| 04:15-05:45 | 90 mins | Special Sessions 2 | Special Sessions 4 | Special Sessions 6 | Special Sessions 7 | |||
| 6:00-7:30 | 90 mins | — | IWRA General Assembly (Palmeraie) |
— | ||||
| PM | 6:00-9:00 | 120 mins | Welcome Reception (07:00-09:00 PM) |
Early-Career Lightning Talk for Posters Diamant room |
Gala Dinner | |||
Side Events
| Time | Title | Organisation | Room |
| 3:30PM-5:30PM | 2nd Edition of Dutch Moroccan Water Days | The Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in the Kingdom of Morocco | Arganier |
| 1st to 25th December. | Dialogue with Water: Artistic Perspectives on Scientific Challenges for a Sustainable Future | Cadi Ayyad University | Cadi Ayyad University |
| Time | Title | Organisation | Room |
| 9:30AM-11:00AM | Water Technologies Made in Austria – Innovative Solutions for Water Security and Sustainable Development | Austrian Embassy, Commercial Section – ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Casablanca | Arganier |
| 8:30AM -10:00AM | Fast-Track Delivery to Tackle Water Stress: Scaling Desalination, Reuse and Water Security at Industrial Speed | OCP Green Water (OCP Group), in partnership with JESA | Amandier |
| 10:30AM-04:00PM | B2B | Austrian Embassy, Commercial Section – ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Casablanca | Amandier |
| 02:30PM-04:00PM | Beyond Desalination: Offshore Groundwater’s Role in a Water-Secure World | OFF-SOURCE Cost Action, RESCUE Project | Arganier |
| 04:15PM-05:45PM | Accelerating Water Reuse: Pathways to 50% Global Reuse by 2030 | OCP Green Water | JESA | Industrial Ecosystem | Arganier |
| Time | Title | Organisation | Room |
| 8:30AM – 10:00AM | Water-Energy-Minerals Nexus: Unlocking the Potential of Brine for a Circular Economy | OCP Green Water | UM6P | Arganier |
| 8:30AM – 10:00AM | Artificial intelligence and water resources management: a promising tool for optimization and modernization or an additional significant consumer of water resources? | The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH – GIZ Morocco | Opale |
| 10:15AM-11:45AM | Advancing sustainable desalination in the Mediterranean basin | Plan Bleu | Arganier |
| 12:00PM-01:30PM | Best Practices in Water Management : Irrigation Monitoring, Flood Forecasting, Non-Conventional Water Use, and Water-Efficient Urban Planning in Morocco | NOVEC | Arganier |
| 02:30PM-04:00PM | best practices for a sustainable groundwater management: Tensift basin case | Hydraulic basin agency | Arganier |
| 04:15PM-05:45PM | Bridging the Innovation Gap: From Pilots to Commercial Scale in Water Technologies | OCP Green Water | UM6P | InnovX | Arganier |
| Time | Title | Organisation | Room |
| 12:00PM-01:00PM | Continental Drying and Groundwater Mining: Implications for Water Security, Sea-level Rise, and Adaptive Policy | Arizona State University, Water Innovation for a Sustainable Earth (WISE) Group | Arganier |
| 02:30PM-4:00PM | Beyond Scarcity: Financing Non-Conventional Water Solutions in Arab Cities | United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, UN-Habitat | Arganier |
Programme Highlights
– Plenary Sessions: Opening and closing plenaries will feature high-level speakers and discussions that will set the stage for the Congress.
– High-Level Panels: Panels will bring together leading experts to address pressing issues within the Congress’s thematic areas.
– Ven Te Chow Memorial Lecture: A distinguished scholar will deliver this lecture, focusing on innovations and integrated approaches in water resources management.
– Parallel Sessions: These sessions will consist of 6–9 thematic tracks and will include:
* Regular Sessions: Presenters selected from a global call for abstracts will explore topics aligned with the Congress themes.
* Special Sessions: Organised by global partners, private sector companies, and international organisations, these will delve into cross-cutting, interdisciplinary topics.
– Poster Presentations: Selected abstracts will highlight cutting-edge research and projects, connecting to themes like climate-smart water solutions, circular economy approaches, and the SDGs.
– Early-Career Lightning Talk for Posters: Early-career professionals will compete for prizes during a networking event open to all Congress attendees.
– Side Events: Institutions and individuals will host events addressing the Congress themes, offering unique perspectives and in-depth discussions.
– Exhibitions: Public institutions, private companies, and other stakeholders will showcase innovations and technologies that contribute to sustainable water management.
– Social Activities: The Congress will also include a gala dinner and a welcome reception, providing valuable networking opportunities.
– Field Trips: Participants will have the chance to explore Morocco through cultural and technical field trips. These excursions will highlight Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and its innovative water management practices.
– Gala Dinner: The Gala Dinner of the XIX World Water Congress, on 4 December 2025, will take place at the prestigious Palm Event Marrakech, known for its refined atmosphere and contemporary Moroccan palace-inspired architecture.
Under Marrakech’s glowing evening sky, guests will discover a celebration of Morocco’s modern, innovative, and welcoming identity. The setting, lighting, and artistic touches will come together to create an elegant and warm ambiance.
The evening will be enriched by the delicate notes of Andalusian music and the vibrant rhythms of Gnawa fusion, offering a cultural moment that encourages connection, relaxation, and meaningful exchange.
Designed as a timeless interlude, the Gala Dinner promises an unforgettable experience, where Moroccan elegance, attention to detail, and a spirit of conviviality shine in the heart of Marrakech.
Presenter Resources
As part of the programme for the 19th World Water Congress, this section provides all essential materials to support prenters in preparing their sessions. It includes:
Official PowerPoint templates to ensure presentations are clear, consistent, and aligned with the Congress’s visual identity.
Poster templates designed to highlight research and project results in a professional and engaging format.
The Presenter’s Guide , offering practical instructions, logistical details, and key recommendations for a smooth and well-coordinated presentation.
These resources aim to facilitate your preparation and contribute to a high-quality experience for all programme participants. We encourage presenters to make full use of these documents to help ensure the success and coherence of the Congress sessions.
