IWA Global Utilities Summit

The New Global Home for Water Utilities

Where the World's Water Utilities Connect, Learn and Shape the Future 

The world's water utilities are entering a defining decade. Climate uncertainty, ageing infrastructure, workforce change, digital disruption and rising customer expectations are reshaping how utilities operate, while AI, digital water, circular-economy approaches, low-carbon pathways and new financing models open up real opportunities. 

The IWA Global Utilities Summit is a new flagship platform created by and for utilities, bringing together the senior professionals driving that change. The Summit will convene key decision-makers, innovators and practitioners from water, wastewater and stormwater utilities worldwide, with the inaugural edition hosted in Hong Kong, one of the world's most connected international cities and a gateway to innovation, investment and collaboration across Asia and beyond.

Convening Utilities Around What Matters Most

Organised by the International Water Association, whose network spans more than 140 countries, the first edition of the Summit is hosted with the support of the Water Supplies Department (WSD) and Drainage Services Department (DSD) of the Government of Hong Kong SAR, China.

Designed specifically for utilities, it gives participants direct access to international experience, practical lessons and forward-looking perspectives from utilities operating in every kind of context. Participants will learn how utilities across the world are responding to common challenges, sharing approaches, successes and lessons that can be adapted to their own organisations.

Above all, it creates space for meaningful peer-to-peer exchange, fostering the conversations, relationships and networks that support collaboration long after the event ends.

A Programme Focused on Transformation

Over three days, a dynamic programme, expected to include a dedicated Leadership Forum, executive discussions, international case studies and curated networking opportunities, will bring together leading utility professionals from around the world around themes including:

• Utility leadership, governance and organisational transformation
• Infrastructure resilience, finance and investment
• AI and digital transformation
• Workforce transition and future skills
• Climate adaptation and water security
• Circular economy and low-carbon pathways

From Strategy to Solutions

The Summit is co-located with the Hong Kong Water Expo, organised by WSD and DSD. While Summit sessions explore where utilities are heading, the Expo showcases the technologies, solutions and organisations already helping utilities transform the way they operate.

Together, the Summit and Expo create a unique environment where strategic ideas meet practical implementation, allowing participants to discover innovation in action, engage directly with solution providers and explore real-world examples of the technologies and approaches shaping the future of utility performance, resilience and sustainability.

Join the Global Utility Community in Hong Kong in April 2027

This is more than a new event. It is the beginning of a global platform built around the needs, challenges and ambitions of utilities.

With the 2027 edition set against the backdrop of one of Asia's most vibrant and connected cities, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers from around the world, discover new ideas, explore practical solutions and contribute to the conversations shaping the future of utility management and service delivery.

Connect with peers. Discover new ideas. Shape the future of utilities.