The International Water Association’s Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDCE) 2025 once again delivered a comprehensive programme focused on the water-related needs of low- and middle-income countries.
With an overarching theme of Water, sanitation, and innovation – pathways to progress and a resilient future, the 2025 edition presented solutions spanning water and sanitation services, the role of water in urban areas, the links between cities and basins, and the opportunities to achieve climate resilience. It took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.
Huge investments are being directed towards water and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in the Global South, and the event encouraged participants to share knowledge on innovations in science and practice, highlighting the opportunities of securing new and effective solutions in water and sanitation policy, technology, and management.
The event featured keynote addresses by leading sector figures, specially invited to share their experiences in shaping and delivering solutions. The programme also provided a unique platform for water professionals to present and share their recent findings and insights.
Meet inspiring thought leaders
“The Development Congress represents a vital platform for advancing solutions to global water challenges, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional collaboration focused on the global south. For Southeast Asia, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to address pressing water issues, sanitation challenges, build resilience, and drive sustainable development in our communities. I am confident that the event will leave a lasting impact by bringing together diverse expertise and actionable ideas.”
Thammarat Koottatep (Congress President)
Professor and Co-Director, Global Water & Sanitation Center
Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
Topics & thematic tracks
The programme will showcase global best practice, applied research, policy developments and solutions relating to challenges faced by water professionals in low- and middle-income countries. The five broad thematic tracks are listed below along with topics, though other relevant topics will also be considered:
THEMATIC TRACKS
- Ensure Safe Drinking Water: Innovative approaches for treatment and supply.
- Advancing Wastewater Treatment and Sanitation Services: Sustainable solutions for all.
- Smart Water Management: Integrated approaches for effective water management and planning.
- Enhancing Utility Management and Operations for Sustainable Growth.
- Strengthening Governance and Financial Systems for Long-Term Development.
TOPICS
- Addressing intermittent water supply and achieving 24/7 service
- Circular economy approaches in water and sanitation
- Climate smart approaches to water and sanitation
- Climate- Resilient water and sanitation systems
- Data-driven decision-making in water management
- Flood risk assessment and management in urban environments
- Innovations in sanitation for underserved communities
- Integrated urban drainage systems for flood risk reduction
- Integrated water resources management (IWRM) for sustainable development
- Low-cost and decentralised water and sanitation treatment solutions
- Nature-based solutions in supply, sanitation, and stormwater management
- New technologies for water treatment and supply
- Non-revenue water and leakage management
- Partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration in water management
- Resource recovery and reuse in water and sanitation management
- The role of digital technologies (IoT, AI) in water and sanitation systems
- Water and sanitation safety plans for urban and rural settings
- Water quality monitoring and early monitoring systems
Shaping the Conversation
Jacob Amengor, Management Committee Member of IWA’s Specialist Group on Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Drinking Water Treatment Plants, highlights the importance of ‘Smart Water Management: Integrated approaches for effective water management and planning’ – one of the congress’s thematic tracks.
Sandhya Haribal, Member of Management Committee of IWA’s Sanitation and Water Management in Low and Middle Income Countries, highlights the importance of Strengthening Governance and Financial Systems for Long-Term Development — one of the key thematic tracks of the congress.
Special Forums
As well as the core technical and workshop programme, additional features and activities in Bangkok will include the Exhibition – a key part of the event – and various forums and special platforms, including a forum ‘From Land to Sea: Tackling Nutrient and Plastic at Their Sources’. The programme also includes a High-Level Summit, the Utility Leaders Forum, the Regulators Forum, the Water Efficient Sanitation Solutions Forum, the Emerging Water Leaders Forum, and the Inclusive Urban Sanitation Forum.