Apply to Become the Host of IWRA’s 2nd Islands Water Congress

Building on the success of our 1st Islands Water Congress in the Faroe Islands, the International Water Resources Association is excited to invite proposals from island nations and regions around the world to host this unique gathering in 2026.

The Islands Water Congress brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse island communities to address pressing water challenges and share innovative solutions.

This is your chance to showcase your island’s leadership in water sustainability and to foster collaboration with international water professionals and partnerships with other island nations. Apply now to host this impactful global event and help shape the future of island water management. 

 Play a leading role in the future of island water management by hosting the next Islands Water Congress!

Benefits of Hosting the Island Water Congress?

The Islands Water Congress provides a platform for sharing solutions, building collaborations, and addressing pressing water challenges specific to island communities worldwide. By hosting this congress, your island can benefit in numerous ways:

1. Grow your reputation with global exposure:  
Gain unparalleled visibility within the water resources sector on a global scale, enhance your profile as a thought-leader in a key SDG field. 

2. Strategic Collaboration:      
Attract high-level experts, renowned politicians, and key international figures to discuss and lead critical water-related conversations. Your island becomes the center of impactful discourse. You can facilitate collaborations within local, national, international water communities, fostering partnerships and innovation.

3. Economic Rewards: Stimulate economic growth and tourism through the presence of a diverse international delegation.

4. Global Leadership Showcase: Position your island as a global leader in water resources, emphasising capacities, research excellence, and policy relevance.

5. Worldwide Media Coverage: Leverage IWRA’s commitment to assisting hosts in mobilising media and press coverage.

6.  High-Level Engagement:  
Attract  distinguished speakers, award recipients, and high-level representatives, including global policy leaders.

7. Networking Opportunities: Provide a dynamic platform for face-to-face networking with the international water community.

8. Legacy: Help shape a lasting legacy of collaboration and knowledge-sharing for your island, building on the outcomes of the 1st edition. You’ll contribute to the global water community while leaving behind an enduring impact on your island’s water sector and that of other island nations, driving progress in water management for years to come.

Click here to read the Terms of Reference Brochure

APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1: Read the Terms of Reference Brochure

STEP 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI)
Reviewed by IWRA’s Events Committee, with approved candidates requested to submit the full bid application

STEP 3: Submit full Application
Full bid should be submitted by beginning of 2025

STEP 4: Review and Selection by IWRA Board

STEP 5: MOA Signing

STEP 6: Announcement of Winner

HOW TO APPLY 

Expressions of Interest should be a maximum of 2 pages, stating:

  • The lead bidding organisation
  • Any additional partner hosts of the World Water Congress
  • Where the World Water Congress would be held
  • Preferred dates for hosting the World Water Congress
  • The motivation for hosting the Congress
  • The preferred main theme of the Congress
  • Who commits to pay the hosting fee
  • The institutional resources available to support the hosting of the Congress
  • Agreement with the basic terms of reference

Send the completed document to IWRA’s Executive Office via email, as soon as possible to: islands.congress@iwra.org.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Deadline for Full Bid Application: February 2025

Click here to read about our recently concluded 1st Islands Water Congress (4 – 6th September 2024, Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands.) 

For any questions, please send an email to islands.congress@iwra.org
We look forward to your queries and applications. 

The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) is a globally recognised non-profit, non-governmental organisation that was established in 1971. With a strong emphasis on collaboration between science and policy, and through an international membership of over 5000 international members, IWRA serves as a knowledge and research-based forum dedicated to addressing pressing water challenges.