From 1-5 December 2019, Sri Lanka will host the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition.

Water is one of the most critical issues facing the world today. With developing and emerging economies confronted with some of the biggest water challenges they also represent some of the biggest opportunities to get our water future right.

Sri Lanka entered the second decade of the 21st century with a strong and consistent and rapid development. The country is undergoing a phase of reconstruction, which is generating high rates of growth.

Along with the Maldives, Sri Lanka is one of the two countries in South Asia that are currently rated among high human development on the Human Development Index with a GDP per capita of USD 3,870 as per the data of 2016. The country has made substantial progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Water lies at the very heart of most developmental processes, and Sri Lanka, despite possessing rich water resources, is still confronting important threats. The country faces threats by climate change-induced events becoming more recurrent and emerging environment related health issues.

Sri Lanka has performed well with regard to the millennium development goals and is focusing on the SDGs with respect to the provision of safe water and improved sanitation. However, challenges remain requiring financial, social and organisational development policies that fit the country’s new political and economic context. The water sector is at the crossroads of the human, political and economic development.

The water and development event for water professionals will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 1 to 5 December 2019 . 

Inspire change, together!

The 2019 edition of the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition will bring together over 3,500 people, a global audience of practitioners, utility managers, academia, government officials, consultants, and media. IWA partner with some of the water sector’s leading companies and organisations to work together for a better water future.

• If you wish to participate as delegate or speaker in the congress or if you wish to organise a session or workshop, an open call will be published online in November 2018. Please find further information here: http://www.waterdevelopmentcongress.org/

• If you wish to learn about sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please find further information at: http://www.waterdevelopmentcongress.org/ or contact Joao.Grilo@iwahq.org

• If you are interested in learning about the Exhibition please see further information and contact form here: http://www.waterdevelopmentcongress.org/exhibition/