Water and Sanitation Sector Governance and Reforms Leadership Programme | 1st Edition

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The governance and regulatory systems for water supply and sanitation services are being tested as never before. Poor service performance, financial constraints, declining public trust, climate shocks, increasing water scarcity, and growing “Day Zero” risks, combined with rising consumer expectations, are pushing existing systems to their limits—placing unprecedented pressure on decision-makers.

The Leadership Programme on Governance and Reforms in the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector, promoted by LIS-Water in collaboration with regional regulatory networks (ADERASA, ESAWAS, and OOCUR), and in coordination with development partners, brings together leaders involved in public policymaking, regulation, and service provision in the water sector.

The programme has been designed as an executive reform laboratory—it is neither a training event nor a conference. Participation is limited and carefully curated to foster a rich, high-level exchange of experiences. This initiative forms part of Portugal’s commitment to the UN Water Action Agenda.

Over the course of three intensive days, participants engage in peer-level dialogues on real governance dilemmas, reform opportunities, and leadership choices, drawing on experiences from countries such as Portugal, England and Wales, Chile, Australia, Colombia, Kenya, Brazil, the Philippines, and Senegal. These discussions are further enriched by the participation of internationally recognised experts and former sector leaders who were directly involved in these transformations.

In preparation for the programme, a series of case study analyses and executive webinars will explore key reform challenges, laying the groundwork for the discussions that will take place in Lisbon.

Find more information about the Programme here

Applications are welcome from senior leaders involved or interested in water sector reforms , including :

• Government officials leading water sector reform and policy
• Leaders and senior managers of regulatory authorities
• Representatives of international organisations and development partners

• Built around real country reforms and executive dilemmas
• Senior-level peer exchange in a closed , trust -based environment
• Focused on governance , regulation ,service provision , financing and leadership decisions
• Designed for depth , relevance ,and real -world impact

• Direct exposure to real sector reform decisions , successes and failures
• Peer testing of live governance and regulatory challenges
• Strategic clarity on reform pathways
• An enduring network of reform-minded leaders