10 December 2023 | Kigali, Rwanda

The 7th Edition of International Water Association, Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (IWA – WDCE) 2023 convenes at Kigali Convention Centre on 10-14 December 2023.

The WDCE 2023 brings water professionals around the globe to discuss water and sanitation opportunities and challenges to come up with innovative solutions geared towards ensuring safe, sustainable and climate-resilient water and sanitation services for all.

Dubbed under the theme ”Water, sanitation, and climate resilience – keys to a water-wise future”, the International Water Association’s Water and Development Congress & Exhibition 2023 is bringing together water and sanitation practitioners including policy makers, technologists, researchers, academia, members of the civil society, and financiers, amongst others, to share knowledge and best practices that would shape Africa’s innovation potential to meet the SDGs and address water issues.

The WDCE 2023 is hosted by the Republic of Rwanda under the joint coordination of IWA and Water and Sanitation Group (WASAC Ltd). The event will attract over 100 exhibitors around the global ultimately to showcase solutions in the water and sanitation sector.

The unique contributing factor of the 7th edition of WDCE2023 is built around five broad thematic areas:

• Drinking water treatment and supply
• Wastewater treatment and sanitation services
• Integrated water management and planning
• Utility management and operation
• Governance and finance.

This is an outstanding opportunity for governments and other stakeholders to share insights on specific needs and interests that would be game changers to low- and middle-income countries in the water and sanitation sector.

IWA is the leading network and global knowledge hub for all water professionals and anyone committed to the future of water. With its legacy of over seventy years, it connects water professionals in more than 140 countries to find solutions to global water challenges as part of a broader sustainability agenda. IWA also promotes and supports technological innovation and best practices through international frameworks and standards.

“The 2030 deadline to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals is approaching fast. I believe all of those gathering in Kigali share a sense of urgency to meet on the vital issues around water, to share much-needed insights and experience, and to better secure progress towards those goals,” said IWA President Tom Mollenkopf.

“Both developed and developing economies are facing the issues of inadequate water supply, inadequate sanitation services, issues of climate change, management challenges among water utilities, and insufficient investment resources towards accelerating water and sanitation infrastructure. The Congress provides an opportunity to explore smart innovations and lessons from the region that can accelerate change,” commented Abimana Fidele, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure in Rwanda.

“We are proud to be co-hosting the Congress. Rwanda has made remarkable strides towards sustainable water management and sanitation. This means that our country provides an ideal setting for this significant event. This is an opportunity to forge new partnerships and strengthen collective efforts towards achieving water security and sanitation for sustainable development,” adds Prof. Omar Munyaneza CEO of WASAC Group Ltd.

“The value of the Congress platform is especially clear when it comes to sanitation, one of the core strands of the event theme. This is not just about needs; it is about the potential for low- and middle-income countries to pursue a different path. This offers exciting opportunities to combine decentralized and off-grid technologies in ways that integrate circular economy approaches.” stresses Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director of IWA

Pictured from left to right: Prof. Omar Munyaneza, Abimana Fidele, Tom Mollenkopf

Notes to Editors

For media enquiries and further information, please contact:

Keith Hayward, IWA Director of Communications & Marketing, Keith.Hayward@iwahq.org

Robert Bimenyimana, the Ag. Manager PR and Communications – WASAC Group Ltd, rbimenyimana@wasac.rw

About the International Water Association (IWA)

The International Water Association (IWA) is a global network of water professionals, researchers, and practitioners committed to achieving sustainable water solutions. IWA connects people and organisations to drive innovation, knowledge, and best practices in water management. Through its diverse membership and collaborative platforms, IWA strives to tackle pressing water challenges and shape a sustainable future. iwa-network.org

About the Water and Sanitation Group (WASAC Ltd)

The Water and Sanitation Group (WASAC Ltd) is the water utility responsible for the supply of clean and safe water, as well as sanitation services, in Rwanda. WASAC is dedicated to promoting equitable access to water and sanitation, supporting sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for all Rwandans. www.wasac.rw