11th World Water Forum, 1st Announcement - Action for a Better Tomorrow

    Information about the 11th World Water Forum
    The World Water Council and the World Water Forum Secretariat are pleased to share the 1st announcement regarding the 2027 Riyadh Forum. You can find detailed information about the Forum preparation and the next steps in a document uploaded on our website.
    In this article, you will find a summarized report of the main news shared in the PDF document. The objective is to enhance global participation in the 11th World Water Forum and to display transparency in the Forum processes.
     

     

    Organizers’ foreword

    “Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of water management and the challenges we face in securing this essential resource. As we prepare to co-host the 11th World Water Forum, we are committed to acting decisively and collaboratively. Our vision is clear: we aim to foster dialogue, share innovative solutions, and ignite action that will lead us toward a more sustainable future.”
    Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley - Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    “Together, we will protect nature, guarantee access, and build early-warning systems for communities on the frontlines — like those once affected by the tsunami in Sumatra. So, to the international community, I offer a heartfelt invitation: join us on the road to Riyadh. Bring your solutions, your ambition, your partnerships, and your political will. Let us shape a turning point for the planet — where the world chose cooperation over complacency, and action over aspiration.”
    Loïc Fauchon - President of the World Water Council

     

    Overview of the 11th World Water Forum

    Aligned with the goals of the World Water Council, the 11th Forum seeks to drive impactful solutions for global water sustainability. It aims to:

    Facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange to address regional challenges and scale local innovations with global applicability

    Serve as a platform that aligns with global discourse and accelerates action including achieving SDG 6

    Convene leading experts from diverse water-related sectors to driven discussions on key areas of water security, water finance, water diplomacy, water for humans and nature, value of water, and , innovation for water

    Move beyond policy discourse to develop pragmatic, impactful solutions for lasting global change

    To achieve these objectives, the Forum will undergo a two-year preparatory phase, marked by key milestone events leading up to 2027:

    First Stakeholders' Consultation Meeting (14th – 15th April 2025)

    Successfully held in Riyadh, this foundational gathering brought together a diverse group of global water experts, policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives to define the Forum’s strategic direction, key priorities, and action-oriented outcomes.

    Second Stakeholders' Consultation Meeting (April 2026)

    This inclusive international meeting will serve as a critical checkpoint to assess progress, ensure alignment across all pillars of the Forum, and refine the program in preparation for implementation.

    11th World Water Forum (March 2027)

    The culmination of this global effort, convening stakeholders from over 150 countries to engage in transformative, solution-driven dialogue.

     

    Forum overarching theme

    Water is the foundation of life, yet its future hangs in the balance. Climate change, pollution, and mismanagement are pushing global water systems to the brink, endangering communities, economies, and ecosystems. The 11th World Water Forum rises to this challenge with its action-driven overarching theme: "Action for a Better Tomorrow".
    The Forum Themes are:
    1. Water Security
    2. Water Finance
    3. Water Diplomacy
    5. Value of Water
    6. Innovation for Water

     

    The three processes of the Forum

    Political Process
    Successfully held in Riyadh, this foundational gathering brought together a diverse group of global water experts, policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives to define the Forum’s strategic direction, key priorities, and action-oriented outcomes.
    Thematic Process
    The Thematic Process is essential in shaping policies and strategies that address the most pressing water-related challenges worldwide. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, fosters cooperation among stakeholders, and influences policy decisions. It creates a structured approach where knowledge is translated into real-world solutions, ensuring sustainable water management.
    Regional Process
    Water challenges vary widely across regions, requiring localized strategies that account for geography, climate, and socio-economic conditions. The Regional Process provides a platform for governments, stakeholders, and communities to collaborate on context-specific solutions, knowledge-sharing, and policy alignment. Strengthening regional dialogues ensures that global commitments translate into context-specific customized actions, fostering sustainable water management practices that reflect local priorities and promotes global learning from grassroot level innovation.
    Expected outcomes
    The 11th World Water Forum aims to achieve:
    • Tailored regional water strategies that effectively address local challenges
    • Stronger partnerships and collaborations between governments, the private sector, and communities to foster collective commitments and secure funding with tailored solutions for tackling local and regional water issues
    • Policy advancements and knowledge exchange to enhance water security and resilience at both local and global levels
    • Integration of technology and innovation to drive sustainable and long-term water solutions
    To find out more about the 11th World Water Forum, its processes and its objectives, visit worldwatercouncil.org and please consult the detailed PDF document regarding the 1st Announcement.