More than 500 Delegates from 20 Countries to Join
Dhaka; 20 January 2026: The 11th International Water Conference begins on Wednesday, 21 January, with a focus on just, inclusive and accountable water governance. Organised by ActionAid Bangladesh, the two-day global event will take place virtually and will bring together more than 500 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’.
Since 2016, ActionAid Bangladesh has been working on water rights, gender justice and climate resilience from the grassroots to the international arena. This year’s conference carries particular significance as Bangladesh became the first South Asian country to accede to the United Nations Water Convention in 2025. Against this historic backdrop, the conference aims to shift the view of water from being merely a resource to one that embodies justice, identity and collective responsibility.
The discussions will centre on transparency, accountability and community participation in water governance, and will highlight the role of research, innovation and cultural institutions such as Water Museums in advancing public understanding of water justice. A policy brief will be produced after the conference to contribute to future regional and international policy processes.
The opening day will feature reflections on Bangladesh’s leadership under the UN Water Convention and the cultural segment 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 of 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 focus on the Climate Crisis and Innovation for Water Justice and on Transboundary Water Accountability and Regional Cooperation. The sessions will feature contributions from international experts including Dr Mansee Bal Bhargava, National President of the Water Resources Council at the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (India); Fayyaz Baqir, Director of the Akhter Hameed Khan Resource Centre (Pakistan); Remy Kinna from the UN Water Convention Secretariat; and Dr 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 contribute to the dialogue.
The conference will conclude with the presentation of the Dhaka Statement on Accountable Water Governance, which calls for greater transparency, responsibility and community participation in the water sector.
The 11th International Water Conference will be streamed live via Zoom as well as through the official social media platforms of ActionAid Bangladesh.
