Organized by UN-Habitat through the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA), the Congress convenes every two years as the UN system’s foremost gathering for water and sanitation utilities. It brings together operators, local and national governments, development partners, and diverse stakeholders to exchange knowledge, inspire action, and build capacity toward universal access to water and sanitation.
With support from the Government of Germany, the 6th Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Congress will take place from 27-30 October 2025 in Bonn, Germany, under the theme “Solidarity in Action: Stronger Utilities for Thriving Cities.”
As an active GWOPA member, ICLEI supports collaboration between local governments and the utilities that provide them with water and sanitation services. ICLEI will engage in two key events:
Plenary – Turning the Tide: Building Climate-Resilient Water and Sanitation Systems
28 October, 09:00 CET
Facilitator: Gino Van Begin, ICLEI Secretary General
This plenary will highlight water as a lever for sustainable urban development and for climate adaptation and mitigation through water-centered planning. It will showcase strategies to mobilize resources, access climate finance, and leverage investment tools for resilient urban water and sanitation systems.
Learn more and join online here.
Partnerships in Practice for Urban Water Resilience
29 October, 11:00 CET
Organizers: ICLEI and the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA)
Facilitator: Anton Earle, ICLEI Global Coordinator for Water Systems and member of the GWOPA Steering Committee
This session will share practical insights on how partnerships among operators, governments, local authorities, the private sector, and other stakeholders drive innovation, infrastructure modernization, and nature-based solutions to strengthen urban water systems and climate resilience.
Learn more and online here.
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