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2026 Utility Leaders Forum

The 2026 edition of the Utility Leaders Forum (ULF) will bring together senior utility leaders from around the world for a globally connected, practice-driven exchange on the future of water infrastructure and leadership in an era of disruption. Held in Glasgow, Scotland (United Kingdom), during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition, this year’s Forum offers a unique opportunity to explore infrastructure futures, utility resilience, strategic partnerships, and leadership transformation under the theme: “Infrastructure futures: leading through disruption.”

Programme Detail

Dates
05 Oct 2026 - 05 Oct 2026

United Kingdom

Glasgow
Description
Programme Committee

Description

The IWA Utility Leaders Forum (ULF) is a unique opportunity for those tasked with managing utilities to exchange views, network and to access the insights of prominent water utility leaders in a setting that is by utility leaders for utility leaders.

Building on previous editions, the 2026 edition of the Forum - shaped around the theme "Infrastructure futures; leading through disruption" - will bring together some of the world’s most prominent water utility leaders with the most impactful case studies to share experiences and knowledge. Curated by an international committee of experienced utility practitioners, the forum is structured to facilitate an open and interactive dialogue around some of the most critical issues facing utilities.

The Glasgow edition aims to create a candid and highly participatory environment where utility leaders can speak openly about challenges, solutions, and future ambitions. Through thought leadership, provocative discussion, case studies, and strategic dialogue, it will highlight global best practice, breakthrough innovations, and practical approaches that can support utilities in navigating disruption and preparing for future infrastructure needs.

Beyond knowledge exchange, the Forum is designed to strengthen partnerships and sector collaboration, creating connections that can lead to long-term impact and ongoing action. It will also support leadership development by equipping delegates with practical insights and new thinking on leadership, workforce strategy, and organisational culture, while ensuring that global priorities are balanced with the regional realities facing utilities across different contexts.

Participation in the Utility Leaders Forum is limited and by invitation. Utility leaders and relevant stakeholders who wish to request an invitation are invited to complete this EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM.

Topics

  • Resilience & Security Under “Extreme Extremes”
  • Climate Adaptation & Circular Infrastructure
  • Financing Future Water Infrastructure
  • Digital Transformation, AI & Digital Twins
  • Workforce of the Future & Leadership Culture
  • Building Partnerships & Collaboration
  • The Evolving Utility: Becoming an Infrastructure Company
  • Global Perspectives & Inclusive Leadership 

Programme Committee

Chair

  • Fionn Boyle – Anglian Water, United Kingdom

Programme Committee Members

  • Matthew Whaley – Greater London Authority, United Kingdom
  • Joseph Danyluk – Jacobs, United States of America
  • Simon Parsons – Scottish Water, United Kingdom
  • Elise Cartmell – Scottish Water, United Kingdom
  • Jo Harrison – United Utilities, United Kingdom
  • Adam Lovell – Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Australia
  • William Fernandes – Toronto Water, Canada
  • Helle Katrine Andersen – DANVA, Denmark
  • Nerina Di Lorenzo- Melbourne Water, Australia
  • Adam Saffian – Air Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mara Regina Samensatto Ramos –SABESP, Brazil
  • Rose Kaggwa – National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Uganda 

IWA Secretariat

  • Patrick Ronoh - Strategic Programmes Senior Officer, IWA
  • Diana Koumi – Conference Producer, IWA