The inaugural South Africa International Water Week (SAIWW) will take place from 17 to 19 March 2026 in Gauteng, South Africa.
This landmark event will bring together a diverse network of professionals and stakeholders from across the global water sector to address critical challenges, share groundbreaking innovations, and foster meaningful dialogue on the future of water.
As part of its core programme, SAIWW is inviting proposals for presentations and posters from researchers, innovators, policymakers, and thought leaders whose work aligns with the central theme: “Invest in Water: Investing in the Foundation of Our Sustainable Water Future.”
Theme Overview: Investing in Our Water Future
The central theme reflects the urgent need to prioritise water as a foundational element of sustainable development. As climate change, population growth, urbanisation, and increasing demand place unprecedented pressure on water systems, strategic investments—financial, technological, institutional, and social—are essential to secure a resilient and inclusive water future.
Contributors are encouraged to submit proposals that offer insights, data, case studies, or innovative approaches aligned with this vision.
Sub-Themes for Proposals
To ensure a focused and comprehensive discussion, all submissions should fall under one of the four designated sub-themes. Each of these tracks is designed to explore a critical dimension of water management and sustainability.
1. Policy & Governance: Economics of Water
This sub-theme will explore the governance structures, regulatory frameworks, and economic strategies shaping water resource management. Topics may include water pricing and valuation, public-private partnerships, institutional reforms, transboundary water governance, economic incentives for sustainable practices, and policy mechanisms that ensure equitable water allocation and efficient service delivery.
2. Innovative Solutions
Proposals under this sub-theme should focus on the development and application of new technologies, tools, or models that are transforming the water sector. This includes digital innovations such as smart water management systems, remote sensing, artificial intelligence in water monitoring, as well as infrastructure solutions, nature-based approaches, and sustainable engineering practices. Submissions should demonstrate practical applications, measurable impact, and potential for scalability.
3. Access, Equity & Quality
This track addresses the social dimensions of water access and service provision. Contributors are encouraged to present work that highlights efforts to ensure inclusive access to clean and safe water and sanitation, especially in underserved or vulnerable communities. Relevant topics include gender and water, water quality standards, human rights to water, community-led initiatives, and strategies for overcoming barriers to equitable access.
4. Efficiency, Demand & Management
This sub-theme focuses on the efficient use and management of water resources across sectors, including agriculture, industry, and urban environments. Submissions may address demand-side management strategies, water conservation practices, integrated water resource management (IWRM), climate resilience planning, and data-driven decision-making. The goal is to showcase practical approaches that support sustainable use while balancing competing needs.
Who Should Submit
The call is open to individuals and organisations working across academic, public, private, and civil society sectors. Whether emerging researchers, experienced practitioners, or sector leaders, all contributors are invited to share original work that offers value to a multidisciplinary and international audience. Proposals will be evaluated based on clarity, relevance to the theme and sub-themes, innovation, and potential impact.
Submission Process and Deadline
All proposals must be submitted online through the official submission portal by 30 October 2025. Presenters may indicate whether they are submitting for an oral presentation or a poster session. Detailed submission guidelines and criteria are available at the following link: https://lnkd.in/e6tPhSbC
Why Participate
By contributing to SAIWW 2026, participants will gain an opportunity to engage with a wide network of peers, decision-makers, funders, and influencers in the global water community. The event will serve as a key platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and collaborative action. Presenters will play a pivotal role in shaping conversations and informing the decisions that will guide water investment strategies in South Africa, across the African continent, and around the world.
Join the Conversation
SAIWW 2026 offers a unique moment to contribute to shaping the future of water. Through your ideas, research, and innovations, you can help drive the transition toward more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient water systems. Submit your proposal by the deadline and be part of this important global event.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hosting organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
