In March 2016 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IAWD and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) through the Global Water Operator Partnerschips Alliance (GWOPA) to establish Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) in the Danube region.

The aim is to develop new opportunities for IAWD and its members, improve the service quality in the region with the support of UN. The first WOP was launched in April 2016 between Budapest Waterworks and the Waterworks of Subotica in Serbia - a new IAWD member.

Budapest Waterworks, the mentor in this programm has already gathered much expertise in peer-to-peer support during the (profit-oriented) globalisation initiative launched by the Hungarian government. The non-profit-oriented WOP is now drawing benefit from this expertise. Csaba Haranghy, Head of Budapest Waterworks and Vice-President of IAWD, explains the interests of his enterprise in the WOP. „A particularly positive aspect ist hat we are able to maintain a high level motivation among our staff. After many decades, work tends to become a routine, and it is always good to have some change!

At the same time, we get an insight into other international aspects of our so fallen water world. Last but not least, the mentor also learns from the mentee“.

The established WOP has also given rise to mutual „fact-finding missions“ in each others operation and a number of workshops. Budapest has also provided manuals in Hungarian and English language. A WOP lasts for 14 months and can subsequently be extended.