The IWA World Water Congress in Copenhagen will take place on 9-14 May 2021

18 May 2020

Due to the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IWA Board of Directors has agreed that the next IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition should be postponed. It will now take place in September 2022 - still in the city of Copenhagen.

The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is a truly international event, planned to attract the fullest participation, with an outstanding and diverse programme. The Congress draws water professionals from around the world to share their knowledge and know-how. And of course, it provides a chance to meet old friends and make new ones.

The decision by the IWA Board of Directors to postpone the Congress follows an assessment of the prospects and uncertainty regarding the on-going effects of the pandemic and recommendations from the local organisers.

“We are, as always, committed to servicing our membership in the best way possible. Organising and engaging in the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition requires large investments from everyone involved. Therefore, we wanted to make sure that the postponement allows the all water professionals involved to plan a safe meeting that fulfils the new safety requirements. Rescheduling the event to 9-14 May 2021 will provide certainty for all participants – and also the prospect of enjoying Copenhagen during spring,” said Kala Vairavamoorthy, IWA’s CEO in a press release.

Giving water professionals from around the world a unique opportunity to shape the water future, the upcoming IWA Congress & Exhibition will follow the theme of “Water for smart and liveable cities”. There will be a strong representation and contribution from Nordic and Baltic Sea countries, making the IWA Congress & Exhibition a vital opportunity to learn about the Nordic water solutions and challenges, including technical site visits. Participants will analyse, discuss and highlight solutions in high-level summits, case-study presentations, and examples of implementation and cooperation driving the fulfilment of the SDGs. Expecting over 10000 participants, the Congress & Exhibition is when IWA members in particular look forward to learning and sharing their experience.

Along with IWA, the Danish hosts, IWA Denmark and DANVA, have resumed planning and organising of the event.

The organisers look forward to demonstrating Danish state-of-the-art water solutions through the Technical Tours Programme and share knowledge at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in 2021 in Copenhagen.

About the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition

The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is the global event for water professionals covering the entire water cycle. As the Congress rotates through cities and countries each event has an extra emphasis on issues of specific interest to the region.

Focusing on leading practice, innovation and solutions, the Congress & Exhibition provides new networking and business opportunities. Ensuring participants, exhibitors and sponsors connect with the right people and the right solutions, it has a track record of fostering new collaborations and partnerships, and providing a platform for participants to raise their profile amongst leading water professionals and companies. Organised by the International Water Association, this is the global event on water solutions that brings together thought leaders, decision makers, leading researchers and business representatives.

Please consult the Congress website for updates on the programme, registrations and exhibition possibilities.