About the Congress
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International Water Resources Association (IWRA)
Istanbul, Türkiye | 4-8 October 2027
Future of Water
SMART, RESILIENT, CIRCULAR, INCLUSIVE
Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Türkiye and the International Water Resources Association
Join water experts from around the world to address global water challenges
WELCOME MESSAGE
“Esteemed Members of the Global Water Community, throughout history, water has guided civilizations, sustained prosperity and shaped the relationship between people and their environment. Today, in a world being transformed by climate change, technological advancement and shifting economic and social realities, water has acquired an even greater strategic importance. The way we manage water today will determine not only our water resilience, but also our food, energy, health and economic resilience tomorrow.
İbrahim Yumaklı
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Republic of Türkiye
WELCOME MESSAGE
“On behalf of the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), I am delighted to invite you to the XX World Water Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye, in 2027. The 20th edition marks an important milestone, as IWRA celebrates 55 years of advancing sustainable water resources management worldwide. Since 1971, IWRA has brought together experts across disciplines, sectors and regions to promote science-based solutions to the world’s water challenges. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to bridging science, policy and practice, ensuring that knowledge informs decisions and drives meaningful action.
Prof. Yuanyuan LI
President
International Water Resources Association (IWRA)
WELCOME MESSAGE
“As Co-Chair of the International Scientific Committee, it is my great pleasure to invite you to the XX World Water Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye, in 2027, under the theme “Future of Water: Smart. Resilient. Circular. Inclusive.” The context in which we understand and manage water is changing rapidly. Growing pressures on water resources are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, as climate change, population growth, urbanisation and environmental degradation intensify demands on finite resources. At the same time, advances in science, technology and innovation are creating new possibilities for how we respond to these pressures.
Alice AURELI Ph.D.
IWRA Vice President
WELCOME MESSAGE
“Dear Participants, Colleagues and Partners, It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the XX World Water Congress and to invite you to be part of this important gathering in Istanbul in October 2027. Water is entering a new era. Climate change, urbanization, health threats, food and energy security, technological transformation and growing inequalities are changing not only how we manage water, but how we must think about it. This is why we have chosen “Future of Water: Smart, Resilient, Circular, Inclusive” as the central theme of the XX World Water Congress.
Bilge Alpaslan KOCAMEMİ Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor, Turkish Water Institute (SUEN)
Professor, Environmental Engineering Dept., Marmara University
Executive Board Member, International Water Resources Association (IWRA)
Learn more about the vision, objectives and legacy of the 20th World Water Congress.
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Key deadlines for abstract submission, registration and the congress programme.
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