Voice of the Danube
IAWD opened 2026 with momentum, conviction, and a clear sense of direction as two major governance meetings—the 102nd IAWD Board meeting and the D‑LeaP Committee Council gathering—took place in Vienna in late January. Together, they set the tone for a year that promises strengthened collaboration, deep regional engagement, and renewed commitment to capacity development across the Danube region.
A New Board Steps In—And Immediately Leans In
The 102nd IAWD Board Meeting on 26–27 January 2026 marked an important moment: the first gathering of the association’s newly elected Board for the 2026–2027 term.
With six new Board members, plus newly established fixed positions for Albert Salltakaj (Kosovo) as Young Water Professionals (YWP) Chair, and Teodora Pakuleva (Bulgaria) as D‑LeaP Committee Council Chair, the meeting buzzed with the energy of fresh perspectives and strengthened representation from across the region.
The Board continues to be led—one last time—by long‑standing President Walter Kling, supported by Vice Presidents Lyubomir Filipov (Sofiyska Voda, Bulgaria) and Teodor Popa (Apa Brașov, Romania). Their combined continuity and experience provided stability as new members got a deep‑dive “crash course” into IAWD’s governance, finances, membership, and project ecosystem.
From long‑term strategy to the practicalities of membership development and the recruitment agenda for 2026, the Board jumped straight into substantive discussions. The agenda also spotlighted the 2026 Work Plan and budget, new funding opportunities, progress in the EU Water Academy, and updates from D‑LeaP and the Danube Hub.
The group also looked ahead to major 2026 milestones—most notably the Danube Water Forum in Sofia, the upcoming General Assembly, and the next donor roundtable.
Innovation in Practice: A Visit to Badger Meter Austria
A hands‑on highlight of the Board Meeting was the field visit to IAWD member Badger Meter Austria. Board members explored emerging water sensor technologies, digital monitoring solutions, and innovations shaping the future of water utility performance.
A joint dinner wrapped up the day, giving the new team another opportunity to strengthen personal connections — an essential ingredient for effective regional cooperation.
D‑LeaP Committee Council Charts the 2026 Roadmap
Directly following the Board meeting, the D‑LeaP Committee Council (CC) convened on 27–28 January 2026, hosted by the World Bank in Vienna with hybrid participation. Under the leadership of its new Chair, Teodora Pakuleva, the CC focused on anchoring D‑LeaP’s past achievements and shaping its ambitious plans for 2026.
A major moment during the meeting was the accreditation of three new D‑LeaP Hubs, further expanding the D-LeaP network that underpins capacity development throughout the region.
The Council also discussed the draft D‑LeaP Annual Report 2025, aligned the 2026 delivery plan, reviewed coordination streams with RCDN+ and the Utility of the Future – Center of Excellence, and explored new insights from the Utility Workforce Assessment report prepared by the World Bank under the Danube Water Program.
Crucially, the meeting also addressed opportunities emerging from the newly approved Danube Water Program Phase V, including reinforced support for D‑LeaP Hubs, expanded wastewater activities, and strengthened engagement of Young Water Professionals.
A Strong Start to a Big Year
Together, these back‑to‑back meetings demonstrated IAWD’s robust governance culture and its commitment to collaboration across institutional, generational, and national boundaries. With a renewed Board, an energized Committee Council, and strategic priorities aligned, IAWD enters 2026 fully prepared—and deeply motivated—to continue driving excellence and innovation in the Danube region’s water sector.
