We are pleased to share the results of the second edition of the IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme. The 2023 Recognition Programme aims to raise awareness of the steps being taken by water and sanitation utilities operating in challenging conditions to respond to climate change. This initiative seeks to recognise ambitious and innovative utilities in low- and middle-income countries that are leading the way towards a low carbon water and sanitation sector, embracing the shift needed to adapt to and mitigate climate change. The 2023 edition is proudly supported by AfWASA.

The application window for the recognition programme closed in October 2023 with a total of 35 applications received from 18 low- and middle-income countries,* highlighting a broad outreach of the initiative. The applications represent a diverse array of utilities facing common yet unique challenges and solutions.

Following a robust review, 20 applications in total are being recognised as Climate Smart, based on the framework defined by IWA (i.e., the application submitted has been regarded sound and worth to be shared with the IWA community by majority of the jury). Out of these 20 applications, 10 were considered outstanding by the jury, as the actions presented are inspiring and ambitious considering their local context. One application has been given a special recognition for the outstanding climate smart actions in collaboration with utilities in the Ganges basin. Each application was reviewed by three different expert, independent jury members.

The results of the 2023 Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme are:

1. Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos, Argentina (outstanding recognition)
2. Baguio Water District, Philippines
3. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, India
4. Bayawan Water District, Philippines
5. Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, India (outstanding recognition)
6. Ekurhuleni Water Care Company, South Africa
7. Eswatini Water Service Corporation, Eswatini
8. Ghana Water, Ghana (outstanding recognition)
9. Guma Valley Water Company, Sierra Leone
10. Karad Municipal Council, India (outstanding recognition)
11. Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, Bangladesh
12. Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company, Kenya (outstanding recognition)
13. Maynilad Water Services, Philippines (outstanding recognition)
14. Musoma Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority, Tanzania
15. Nakuru Rural Water and Sanitation Company, Kenya (outstanding recognition)
16. Namibia Water Corporation, Namibia (outstanding recognition)
17. National Mission for Clean Ganga under Ministry of Jal Shakti, India (special recognition)
18. National Water Supply & Drainage Board, Sri Lanka (outstanding recognition)
19. Obras Sanitarias Mar del Plata, Argentina (outstanding recognition)
20. Water Corporation of Odisha, India

A unique recognition opportunity

The second edition of the initiative improved its offering and recognition opportunities as an incentive to broaden participation and raise awareness of the mitigation, adaptation, and leadership potential for utilities. The most inspiring applications were invited to attend the Congress, with IWA generously sponsoring the travel costs for a utility representative from each selected utility to join the event and connect with the international utility community that gathered for a Climate Smart Utilities workshop on 13 December, but also at the Utility Leaders Forum on 12 December. These sessions offered opportunities to deliver presentations to an international audience, share knowledge, and navigate the complex challenges faced by utilities today. All the 20 selected utilities were unveiled and their actions recognised during the workshop on Climate Smart Utilities. The most inspiring utilities present at the event also received their certificates during the closing ceremony at the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition on 14 December 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The recognition programme will be back soon! Stay tuned for more opportunities targeted for utilities. We invite you to engage with our Climate Smart Utilities initiative: visit this page, follow us on LinkedIn, and join IWA Connect Plus.

*Argentina, Bangladesh, China, Eswatini, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Zimbabwe.