5–6 May 2026
Istanbul, Türkiye
5th ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL WATER FORUM
"Strengthening Water Resilience: From Innovation to Action" Register AboutThe Istanbul International Water Forum (IIWF) is one of the leading international platforms focusing on the sustainable management of water, aiming to enhance knowledge sharing while developing solutions to global, regional, and national water-related challenges and fostering cooperation.
5th ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL WATER FORUM
The Istanbul International Water Forum (IIWF) is one of the leading international platforms focusing on the sustainable management of water, aiming to enhance knowledge sharing while developing solutions to global, regional and national water-related challenges and fostering cooperation.
Held every three years, one year prior to each World Water Forum, IIWF is hosted by Türkiye and contributes strategically to the global water agenda by bringing together the international water community in Istanbul and creating impact at a global scale.
The forum brings together academics, public institutions, international organizations, civil society organizations and private sector representatives, providing a unique space for knowledge exchange, partnership building and policy development.
Why IIWF?
You will have the opportunity to connect with decision-makers and experts working in water management, climate change, resilient cities and water politics, gaining valuable knowledge, experience and collaboration.
Water Agenda
The 5th IIWF addresses the global water agenda by responding to worldwide developments, regional dynamics, and changing conditions, providing a comprehensive platform to discuss solutions across science, policy, finance, and capacity development.
Interactive Sessions
Pathways to transform knowledge and innovation into action are discussed in interactive sessions with the participation of prominent experts from diverse disciplines and regions, focusing on dialogue, technology, finance, health, and cross-sectoral linkages.
Dialogue and Cooperation
Approaching water as a unifying rather than a dividing resource, the 5th IIWF provides an inclusive platform for dialogue to strengthen water resilience.
Best Practises and Experience Sharing
In an interactive environment where innovative solutions and field experiences are shared, successful practices evolve into a collective pool of knowledge.
Capacity Building
With a focus on strengthening the capacities of institutions, professionals, and stakeholders, a more holistic and coordinated approach to capacity building is collectively addressed for a water-resilient world.
Policies Guiding the Future
Through the bridging power of Istanbul, knowledge and innovation are transformed into sound ideas and action that will contribute to the global water events and international water policies.
"We believe that the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum will make significant contributions to water management in light of scientific developments; and invite the water community to come together in Istanbul to jointly discuss the global and regional water agenda and to strengthen cooperation.”
İbrahim YUMAKLI
Minister of Agriculture and ForestryIIWF Speakers
IIWF brings together national and international experts in water management, climate change, resilient cities, hydro-politics, technology, and sustainability to share inspiring perspectives, research insights, and solution-oriented approaches directly from leading voices.
İbrahim Yumaklı
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Ebubekir Gizligider
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Dr. Ahmet Bağcı
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Ministry
Retno L.P. Marsudi
UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Water
Loïc Fauchon
President, World Water Council
Prof. Lütfi Akca
President, Turkish Water Institute (SUEN)
Saroj Kumar Jha
Global Director, World Bank Group's Water Department
Henk Ovink
Executive Director, Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW)
Mohamed Diatta
Senegal's Sherpa for 2026 UN Water Conference
Tanja Miškova
Ambassador-at-Large for Water Diplomacy, Slovenia
Antti Rautavaara
Special Envoy for Water, Finland
Dr. Alice Aureli
Vice-President, IWRA
Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi
The UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye
Mohammed Amin Faris
Chairperson of the Managing Committee, Blue Peace Middle East
Dr. Dinara Ziganshina
Director, Scientific Information Centre of Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (SIC ICWC) in Central Asia
Dr. Marco Arcieri
President, ICID
Dr. Renée Martin-Nagle
Secretary General, IWRA
Prof. Bilge Alpaslan Kocamemi
Board Director, International Water Resources Association (IWRA), Advisor, Turkish Water Institute (SUEN)
Dr. Marwan Al-Raggad
Executive Director, INWRDAM
Ismahane Remonnay
Head of Strategy Anticipation & Business Alliances, VEOLIA
Prof. Ayşegül Kibaroğlu
MEF University
Prof. Mutawakil Obeidat
Jordan University of Science and Technology
Dr. Martina Klimes
Senior Manager/Advisor, SIWI
IIWF from Past to Present
Since its establishment, IIWF has played a pioneering role in advancing global dialogue on sustainable water management by bringing together experts, institutions and communities from different countries. Past forums form the foundation of today’s actions and continue to inspire the future.
IIWF Program
Program details will be released soon.
Venue and Location
Join us in Istanbul, at the heart of innovation, surrounded by world-class hotels, transport links and a rich cultural heritage.
Forum Venue
Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Darülbedai Caddesi No:4 34367 Şişli / Harbiye / Istanbul / Türkiye