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Sector Reform in the Real World: Leadership Lessons from Water Sector Transformations

Through four international reform cases — England & Wales, Brazil, Philippines and Malaysia — the session examines how governments, regulators and utilities navigate crises, institutional redesign, private participation and climate stress.

Co-organisers:
Provider Logo

LIS-Water - Lisbon International Centre for Water

Programme Detail Getting from back end

Starts
Jun 17, 2026

Language

English

Duration:90 minutes

Start Time:

14:30 GMT+1

Format

Online

Member fee(LMIC): $0.00

Member fee: $0.00

Standard fee: $0.00

Description
Target Audience
Learning Objectives
Learning Format
Webinar Outcomes
Speakers/Panelist Details

Description

The webinar is being co-organised by IWA and LIS-Water, with the participation of the World Bank Group

The session explores what it really takes to lead water sector reform in complex and high-pressure environments. Through four international reform cases — England & Wales, Brazil, Philippines and Malaysia — the session examines how governments, regulators and utilities navigate crises, institutional redesign, private participation and climate stress.

Rather than focusing on abstract frameworks or “best practices”, the webinar is structured around real-world leadership dilemmas, difficult trade-offs and decisions taken under political, financial and operational pressure. Speakers will reflect on what worked, what failed, and the lessons these experiences offer to governments, regulators and utilities facing growing demands for resilience, performance and accountability.

The webinar offers a flavour of the Leadership Programme on Water and Sanitation Sector Governance and Reforms (Lisbon, 26-28 October 2026), combining case-based discussion, peer exchange and practical reflections on governance, regulation and utility transformation.

Target Audience

Senior leaders in water sector reform — government, regulators, utilities, IFIs and development partners

Learning Objectives

Following this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand key leadership dilemmas behind major water sector reforms;
  • Analyse how governance and regulatory arrangements shape sector performance and resilience;
  • Identify lessons from international reform experiences applicable to their own contexts;
  • Better understand the role of leadership, sequencing and institutional capability in driving reform.

Learning Format

Webinar Outcomes

  • Water sector reform is fundamentally a leadership challenge, not only a technical one.
  • Strong governance and regulatory systems are critical to resilience, credibility and long-term performance.
  • There is no single reform model: successful reforms depend on context, sequencing and institutional capacity.

Speakers/Panelist Details