The XIX World Water Congress, co-organised by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Ministry of Equipment and Water of Morocco, will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from December 1 to 5, 2025. Under the theme “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation,” this prestigious global event will bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives to exchange knowledge, showcase groundbreaking research, and develop actionable solutions. Together, participants will address the growing complexities of global water governance, security, and sustainability in the face of unprecedented global challenges.

Water is at the heart of interconnected systems—land, energy, food, health, and ecosystems. Addressing water challenges thus requires an integrated, system-level approach. As climate change accelerates and pressures on water resources grow, the Congress offers an important platform to explore and promote innovative solutions that cross sectors, boundaries, and disciplines.

The Congress will focus on fostering collaboration, building partnerships, and driving sustainable development in alignment with major international water and climate objectives. Attendees will benefit from dynamic discussions and expert insights while contributing to global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

This Congress will serve as a cornerstone in advancing global water and climate initiatives, aligning with major upcoming events, including:

– United Nations 2026 Water Conference

– IWRA’s 2nd Islands Water Congress (2026)

– World Water Forum (2027)

– Upcoming COPs on Climate Change and Biodiversity

These synergies ensure that the Congress contributes meaningfully to critical international dialogues on water, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The Congress also builds on a rich history of global water dialogues, including:

– The UN 1977 and 2023 Water Conferences,

– The VII World Water Congress held in Rabat, Morocco (1991),

– Ten World Water Forums,

– IWRA’s World Water Congresses and Islands Water Congress,

– The COPs on Climate Change and Biodiversity.

By connecting past insights with future ambitions, the Congress will provide a platform to reflect on lessons learned and contribute to shaping the next generation of water solutions.

The Congress aims to:

– Provide a platform to share knowledge, innovations, and research findings from across the water sector and beyond.

– Promote collaboration between governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector.

– Address complex water challenges through cross-sectoral, system-level approaches.

– Highlight Morocco’s expertise in managing water resources, particularly in arid environments, desalination, and unconventional water resources.

In doing so, the event will celebrate Morocco’s contributions to sustainable water resource management while offering global participants an opportunity to exchange ideas and co-develop solutions.

The Congress will generate key outputs, including:

– A Congress Declaration summarising critical recommendations

– Knowledge products such as Congress Proceedings and Reports for dissemination among global science and policy communities.

– Opportunities for collaboration and long-term partnerships to ensure actionable outcomes extend beyond the event.

By bridging science, policy, and practice, the Congress aims to leave a lasting legacy for both Morocco and the global water community.