11th International Water Conference opens with focus on accountable governance
The 11th International Water Conference will begin on Wednesday, 21 January, focusing on just, inclusive and accountable water governance.
Organised by ActionAid Bangladesh, the two-day conference will be held virtually and is expected to bring together more than 500 participants, including river experts, researchers, policymakers, water rights activists and climate advocates from over 20 countries.
The theme of this year's conference is "Reimagining Water Governance for Just and Sustainable Futures."
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Since 2016, ActionAid Bangladesh has worked on water rights, gender justice and climate resilience at both national and international levels. This year's conference holds added significance as Bangladesh became the first South Asian country to accede to the United Nations Water Convention in 2025. Against this backdrop, the conference aims to reposition water governance beyond resource management, highlighting justice, identity and collective responsibility.
Discussions will focus on transparency, accountability and community participation in water governance, alongside the role of research, innovation and cultural institutions such as water museums in advancing public understanding of water justice. A policy brief will be developed following the conference to inform future regional and international policy processes.
The opening day will feature reflections on Bangladesh's leadership under the UN Water Convention and a cultural segment titled "Water Speaks for Water Justice," moderated by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh. The segment will include artistic performances, community storytelling and presentations coordinated through the Global Network of Water Museums, including showcases from Morocco's first Oasis Ecomuseum and Bangladesh's Chakaria Water Museum.
Technical sessions on Water Justice and Governance and Urban Water Systems and Water Futures will follow.
On the second day, discussions will centre on Climate Crisis and Innovation for Water Justice and Transboundary Water Accountability and Regional Cooperation. International experts scheduled to speak include Mansee Bal Bhargava, National President of the Water Resources Council at the Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Fayyaz Baqir, Director of the Akhter Hameed Khan Resource Centre; Remy Kinna; and John Dore, Lead Specialist on Water, Energy and Climate at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Academics and practitioners from the Philippines, Vietnam, China and Australia will also participate.
The conference will conclude with the presentation of the Dhaka Statement on Accountable Water Governance, calling for stronger transparency, responsibility and community engagement in the water sector.
The event will be streamed live via Zoom and through the official social media platforms of ActionAid Bangladesh.
