Water connects communities, economies, and ecosystems and in today’s rapidly changing world, it also connects people and ideas across borders. Every year, water professionals, policymakers, Development Professionals, and innovators gather at key global and national platforms to deliberate on one of humanity’s most critical challenges: managing water equitably and sustainably.
For grassroots organisations like DHAN Foundation, which has over three decades of experience in community-led water resource management, these forums are not merely conferences — they are platforms for dialogue, co-learning, and Experiential sharing. Below is a closer look at some of the most influential international and Indian water forums that shape the global conversation on water and development.
1. World Water Week (Stockholm)
The World Water Week is the world’s leading annual event dedicated to transforming global water challenges into opportunities for sustainable development. Each year, thousands of professionals from grassroots NGOs to global leaders gather in Stockholm to share experiences, policy insights, and innovations. For development practitioners, this is a platform to present field stories, learn about global best practices, and form partnerships. Topics range from climate adaptation and gender in water to water governance and circular economy. Last year DHAN Foundation made a the chance to highlight community-based models such as tank rehabilitation, watershed management, and participatory irrigation that demonstrate how local action drives global impact.
2. World Water Forum
The World Water Forum is the largest international event in the water sector. It brings together governments, NGOs, research institutions, and community organisations to develop and implement global strategies for sustainable water management. Each edition focuses on key themes such as water security, disaster resilience, sanitation, financing, and governance. Recognising the importance of the World Water Council, DHAN Collective maintains a strong network and membership with the WWC. For DHAN Foundation, this is a vital platform to influence global policy narratives — ensuring that the voices of communities are represented alongside government and development leaders.
3. IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDCE)
This congress focuses on the intersection of science, practice, and policy in developing and emerging economies. It is a global hub for discussing urban water management, sanitation systems, financing, technology, and community participation. For the development sector, the IWA WDCE is particularly relevant — it bridges the technical expertise of water professionals with field. Sessions often include presentations on low-cost technologies, inclusive governance, and community partnerships — areas where grassroots organisations like DHAN have rich experience to share.
4. IWA Digital Water Summit
As digital transformation accelerates, the IWA Digital Water Summit explores how technologies such as AI, IoT, and data analytics can revolutionise water management. For Development practitioners, it opens conversations on data-driven community water monitoring, digital transparency, and remote management of water systems — technologies that can make rural and urban water systems more efficient and resilient.
5. Global Water Summit
This summit sits at the intersection of finance and water, bringing together leaders from business, government, and the non-profit world. While it has a strong corporate focus, NGOs benefit by exploring partnerships, innovative financing models, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) opportunities. For example, partnerships between foundations, private investors, and NGOs can unlock new funding streams for community-led water conservation and climate resilience programmes.
6. India International Water Week (IIWW)
The India International Water Week is the country’s flagship event on water. It brings together national and international stakeholders to deliberate on policy, practice, and innovation in India’s water sector. Sessions focus on river basin management, groundwater governance, irrigation, and community water conservation. Every year, DHAN Foundation, as a development partner with over three decades of field experience in tank-based livelihoods and watershed restoration, actively participates in IIWW. The event offers an ideal platform to showcase community-centric models and influence national policy conversations.
7. Water Innovation Summit
The Water Innovation Summit celebrates ideas and innovations that enhance water-use efficiency and sustainability. It convenes government representatives, industries, startups, and civil society organisations to exchange practical solutions. For NGOs, it’s a space to connect with private sector actors, explore CSR partnerships, and promote community-based innovation. DHAN’s experience in integrating traditional wisdom with modern methods fits perfectly within the spirit of this summit.
DHAN Foundation’s Role in Policy and Global Engagement
These forums, congresses, and summits have significant influence on shaping water policies worldwide. DHAN Foundation plays a major role in bringing evidence, community-based models, and grassroots innovations to empower both national and international policy processes.
As a professional development organisation, DHAN’s programmes, themes, and centres play a vital role in connecting grassroots learning with global networks, ensuring that the voices of communities are heard in international water dialogues.