Applications open for fourth Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme edition

The International Water Association (IWA) is excited to launch the fourth edition of the Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme. Applications are now open until 24 September 2025, with recognition set to be given at the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDCE) in Bangkok in December 2025.  

This year’s edition places a special emphasis on low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the vital contributions of water and sanitation utilities operating in resource-constrained and climate-vulnerable settings.  

Building on the success of previous editions, the programme offers a unique platform for utilities to reflect on their climate-smart journeys, showcase resilience and innovation on a global stage, and inspire sector-wide transformation toward a climate-smart water sector.  

Interested water and sanitation utilities from low- and middle-income countries are invited to submit a narrative summarising their Climate Smart vision and key actions taken, especially considering how these relate to the three main pillars:  

Adaptation: Improving resilience to adapt to climate change  

Mitigation: Assessing and aiming to reduce GHG emissions  

Leadership: Leading and inspiring others to take Climate Smart action for a water-wise future  

Submissions will undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent panel, and successful utilities will be formally recognised during the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (WDCE) taking place in Bangkok, Thailand from 8-12 December 2025. IWA will cover the travel costs for outstanding utilities to join the event.  

To learn more and apply, please visit: https://www.iwa-network.org/our-work/climate-smart-utilities-recognition