International Scientific Committee Co-Chair
Alice AURELI, Ph.D
IWRA Vice President
Welcome Message
Dear Colleagues,
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, 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.
The XX World Water Congress will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and experts from across sectors and regions, creating a space where research and experience can inform and connect with policy and practice.
The Congress theme is explored through six interconnected sub-themes: Smart and Innovative Tools for Water; The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem-Health (WEFE-H) Nexus; The Circular Water Economy and Innovative Financing; Bridging Science and Policy for Enhanced Water Resilience; One Water, One Health; and Reimagining Water for the Future. Together, they provide a framework for examining the future of water through a truly interconnected lens.
Across five days in Istanbul, these discussions will come to life through a dynamic and varied programme. The scientific sessions and side-events provide an opportunity for dialogue and exchange, while field trips link these discussions with water management in practice. Throughout the Congress, there will also be ample space for conversations and connections to develop.. The Congress is designed not only to share knowledge, but also to create the conditions for new ideas and collaborations to emerge.
We warmly encourage you to bring your work and perspective to Istanbul and contribute to the discussions at the XX World Water Congress. . We look forward to five inspiring days of discovery, debate and connection, as together we explore and help shape the future of water.
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, 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.
The XX World Water Congress will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and experts from across sectors and regions, creating a space where research and experience can inform and connect with policy and practice.
The Congress theme is explored through six interconnected sub-themes: Smart and Innovative Tools for Water; The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem-Health (WEFE-H) Nexus; The Circular Water Economy and Innovative Financing; Bridging Science and Policy for Enhanced Water Resilience; One Water, One Health; and Reimagining Water for the Future. Together, they provide a framework for examining the future of water through a truly interconnected lens.
Across five days in Istanbul, these discussions will come to life through a dynamic and varied programme. The scientific sessions and side-events provide an opportunity for dialogue and exchange, while field trips link these discussions with water management in practice. Throughout the Congress, there will also be ample space for conversations and connections to develop.. The Congress is designed not only to share knowledge, but also to create the conditions for new ideas and collaborations to emerge.
We warmly encourage you to bring your work and perspective to Istanbul and contribute to the discussions at the XX World Water Congress. . We look forward to five inspiring days of discovery, debate and connection, as together we explore and help shape the future of water.
