Conference / Workshop, DWC/DWF

2026 Danube Water Forum

Organizer: IAWD

The 2026 Danube Water Forum "From Vision to Action: Building a Water-Resilient Danube Region" will convene from 20 to 22 May, 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria, back to back with business meetings as well as the annual UBP Danube Hub workshop and a Young Water Professionals pre-event.

The event is organised by IAWD under the Danube Water Program, run by IAWD and the World Bank, and co-funded by the Austrian Government. Local hosts of the event are IAWD members, i.e. the Bulgarian Water Association (BWA) and Sofia Water.

Themed “From Vision to Action: Building a Water‑Resilient Danube Region,” the event will bring together more than 150 stakeholders to explore the EU Water Resilience Strategy and what its emerging priorities mean in practice for water and wastewater utilities across the region. A dedicated spotlight on the host country’s state of the sector will highlight its current status and progress, placing it in context with developments in neighboring countries. The program will further dive into the key technical areas shaping resilience today - such as smart asset management, enhanced water efficiency, and effective, resource‑conscious wastewater treatment - demonstrating how innovation can strengthen daily operations as well as long‑term sustainability. Completing the agenda, the Forum will turn to the human dimension of resilience, emphasizing workforce development, strong utility partnerships, and empowered leadership as essential drivers of reliable, future‑ready water services.

The Forum will offer ample networking opportunities - from the welcome reception to the festive conference dinner -creating the perfect setting to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and engage with a diverse range of exhibitors ready to showcase their latest solutions. Registration opens in mid‑March, so stay tuned and secure your spot early to be part of this signature event!

Conference Venue

The venue is the municipality owned arts center Toplocentrala, in Sofia, Bulgaria. The building is located in the South Park - The Doggie Garden and is within easy reach of the city centre by public transport.

The logistical guidelines will include detailed information about the venue and nearby hotels and will be made available at the start of official registration in mid‑March.

Call for Poster Submissions

The Danube Water Program encourages the submission of an outline paper to present a poster in a dedicated poster session on 22 May.

Thematic scope for Outline Papers

Contributions are sought inline with the outlined themes on best practice, applied research, policy developments and solutions relating to challenges faced by water professionals in the Danube region and can incorporate in particular the following topics: Circular economy, Climate smart approaches to water and sanitation, Digital transformation, Innovation in technology and policy, Nature-based solutions in water and wastewater services, Inclusiveness and equality.

How to submit an Outline Paper

To submit a proposal, please use the template available here. Your initial submission must be in the form of an outline paper: 1-2 A4 pages of text (max. 1,000 words) plus up to two additional pages of tables/figures. The outline paper must persuasively summarise your proposed presentation and shall be submitted to office@iawd.at before 16 March 2026.

How are submissions selected?

Your submitted proposal will be peer reviewed by the Danube Water Forum program committee. Presenters will be notified of acceptance / rejection by 30 March 2026. Selected poster presenters will be required to register as a paying delegate, who are eligible for a discounted registration fee. Presenters are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

Make Sure Your Brand Will be Visible

Alongside the Forum, we are pleased to offer exclusive exhibition opportunities for companies to present their latest innovations - whether in pipes, pumps, meters,software, engineering, or management services. This is your chance to: