Scotland hosts one of the world's largest water events as global leaders tackle climate and growth challenges

“Water underpins public health, thriving communities, environmental resilience and economic prosperity. Yet across the world we face growing pressures from climate change, population growth and increasing demand.


“This Congress is an opportunity not only to discuss those challenges but to accelerate practical solutions. By bringing together expertise from every continent, we can learn from one another and develop the partnerships needed to deliver lasting change.”

Alex Plant
Chief Executive, Scottish Water

Thousands of water leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the world are set to gather in Glasgow this weekend as the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition gets under way.

Scotland is hosting the event for the first time, bringing international attention to the critical role water plays in supporting economic growth, protecting public health and building resilience to climate change.

The Congress, one of the largest events in the global water sector calendar, will bring together utilities, governments, researchers, regulators and investors to explore solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing communities today, from water scarcity and flooding to environmental protection and sustainable growth.

Alex Plant, Chief Executive of Scottish Water and Co-President of the Congress, said: "It is a tremendous honour for Scotland to welcome the world's water community to Glasgow.

“Water underpins public health, thriving communities, environmental resilience and economic prosperity. Yet across the world we face growing pressures from climate change, population growth and increasing demand.

“This Congress is an opportunity not only to discuss those challenges but to accelerate practical solutions. By bringing together expertise from every continent, we can learn from one another and develop the partnerships needed to deliver lasting change.

“Scotland has a strong story to share, from long-term investment in water infrastructure and innovation to our work on nature-based solutions, digital technology and building resilient services for future generations."

Throughout the event from October 4-8, delegates will take part in technical sessions, site visits and international forums examining how water can support resilience and prosperity in communities around the world.

Scottish Water will also showcase projects and innovations from across Scotland, while welcoming visitors to facilities and locations that demonstrate the country's expertise and ambition in the water sector.

The Congress theme, "Water Action: The Path to Resilience and Prosperity", reflects the growing recognition that water is fundamental to economic growth, healthy communities and environmental sustainability.

Discussions at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow are expected to help shape the international water agenda in the years ahead.

Mr Plant said the conversations at the Congress in Glasgow would go far beyond infrastructure and engineering and would focus on how water supports thriving economies, sustainable communities, and a healthier environment throughout the world.

He said: “And this most critical of conversations cannot be the water sector talking to itself. Water sits at the centre of energy, housing, health, agriculture, planning, transport, and economic growth.

“The Congress will therefore bring together governments, regulators, utilities, investors, and industry to think system-wide about climate, nature, and growth.

“The programme that the IWA Committee has put together will focus on moving beyond end-of-pipe solutions and towards upstream interventions, embedding whole-system thinking and planning, driving cross-sector collaboration and recognising the foundational nature of water and waste water.”

He added that Scotland’s policy and regulatory framework — based on long-term planning, public ownership through an arms’ length public corporation, and robust independent economic regulation — has enabled a steady and sustained approach to investment.

“From catchment-scale thinking and nature-based solutions to digital innovation, low-carbon treatment and blue-green infrastructure, Scottish Water is developing practical solutions that can help build more resilient services.

“For example, last year we completed our £235m investment to link the Glasgow and Ayrshire networks, improving security of supply for one million people.  And right now, we are working with partners to develop Pioneer Catchments in areas like the Almond, Angus Glens and South Esk, and Dee. These innovative projects draw sectors together to develop upstream solutions to address the key challenges presented by a changing climate in ways that are much cheaper and effective than if we only deal with these problems downstream.

“Hosting the world in Glasgow allows us and colleagues across the UK to showcase that kind of innovation — not to say we have all the answers, but to share what we are learning and to learn just as much from others.”