The Joint Organising Committee of the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. On behalf of all involved with the event, the committee wishes to express its deepest condolences to the royal family and to the people of Thailand at this time of mourning.
The Water and Development Congress & Exhibition 2025 took place in Bangkok, Thailand from 8-12 December 2025. It was built on the resounding success of the 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, which was a landmark event for water, sanitation, and climate resilience in low- and middle-income countries. Attracting nearly 2,700 participants from 85 countries, the 2023 Congress featured an engaging programme of 39 technical sessions, 40 workshops, and 5 forums, including the High-Level Summit on Sanitation and the Climate Smart Utilities recognition programme. The event was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.
The 2025 edition was co-hosted by Asian Institute of Technology and had the overall theme of Water, sanitation, and innovation – pathways to progress and a resilient future. The comprehensive programme was built around five 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.
Additional features and activities included 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‘.
Bangkok, the vibrant heart of Thailand, provided the ideal setting for this global water congress. From its urban innovations to the serene beauty of Thailand’s natural landscapes, Bangkok offered the perfect mix of tradition and modernity—mirroring the goals of the Congress to build sustainable, innovative water solutions for the future.
Insights, outcomes, and key takeaways from the Water and Development Congress & Exhibition 2025 will be published soon. In the meantime, explore our Kigali 2023 Report to understand the foundations and themes that shaped the 2025 Congress and its discussions. Together, we continue to advance sustainable water and sanitation solutions worldwide.
Co-organisers
Principal Strategic Partner
Strategic Partners
From Bangkok: 2025 Congress in Action
Sponsors and Exhibitors
Hosting the IWA WDCE 2025 in Thailand provided a unique opportunity to bring together water professionals from around the world, particularly from Asia, to network with water sector leaders, and to highlight and share knowledge on the latest trends in best practice and innovative technologies. The Congress also offered organisations a platform to showcase their technologies, solutions, and expertise.
VENUE
The event took place on the first floor of the fantastic facilities of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
IWA’s magazine, The Source, is the official magazine of the event. For more information, see: https://www.thesourcemagazine.org
IWA Connect Plus
Stay connected as an IWA member before, during and after the Congress to showcase, discuss and contribute to the World’s Leading Network of Water Professionals. See iwaconnectplus.org.
