5–6 May 2026
Istanbul, Türkiye
5th ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL WATER FORUM
"Strengthening Water Resilience: From Innovation to Action" About5th Istanbul International Water Forum Successfully Completed
We would like to thank all our speakers, stakeholder institutions, supporters, and visitors who participated in the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, which took place in Istanbul on May 5-6, 2026. Highlights and posts about the event will be available here soon.
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
Ambassador Berris Ekinci
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ebubekir Gizligider
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Dr. Ahmet Bağcı
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Retno L.P. Marsudi
UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Water
Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Diéye
Minister of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of Senegal
Loïc Fauchon
President, World Water Council
Abdulla Balalaa
Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability of UAE
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
-
Day 1
05 May 2026 -
Day 2
06 May 2026
-
08:30 - 09:15
Registration
09:30 - 10:00
Opening Ceremony (Anadolu Auditorium)
10:00 - 11:00
Opening Remarks and General Session (Anadolu Auditorium)
11:00 - 11:20
Coffee Break
11:20 - 12:50
High Level Interactive Dialogue (Anadolu Auditorium):
"Paradigm Shift in a Changing World: Water and the Bridging Power of Istanbul"
12:50 - 14:00
Lunch Break
15:30 - 15:50
Coffee Break
15:40 - 18:30
Ministerial Closed Session (Marmara Hall)
15:50 - 17:20
High Level Panel (Anadolu Auditorium):
"Water Resilience for Climate Adaptation: From Innovation to Global Action (COP31 Pathway)"
17:20 - 17:40
Coffee Break
17:40 - 18:40
S 2.2 (Anadolu Auditorium)
Achieving Water Efficiency: Innovative Technology-Focused Approaches and Digital Solutions in Water Management
S 1.2 (Dolmabahçe A (1) Hall)
Inclusive Water Dialogue and Partnerships
-
10:30 - 11:00
Coffee Break
11:00 - 12:00
S 2.1 (Marmara Hall)
Sustainable Financing for Water Infrastructure and Beyond: Tailor-made Models
S 3.1 (Anadolu Auditorium)
Wastewater Surveillance: A One Health Perspective
S 4.1 (Dolmabahçe A (1) Hall)
From Silos to Synergy: Accelerating the WEFE Nexus
Special Session (Dolmabahçe B (2) Hall)
Smart Water Management: Industrial Data, Biotechnological Solutions, and Artificial Intelligence Applications
12:00 - 12:20
Coffee Break
12:20 - 13:20
S 1.1 (Marmara Hall)
Water Cooperation for Resilience: Dialogue in Action on the Path to the UN 2026 Water Conference
S 4.2 (Anadolu Auditorium)
Transforming Agriculture: Systematic Solutions in the WEFE Context
S 4.3 (Dolmabahçe A (1) Hall)
Water Wise Cities: Sustainable Solutions
13:20 - 14:30
Lunch Break
14:30 - 15:30
Special Session: UNEP (Dolmabahçe B (2) Hall)
Nature-Based Solutions for Water and Climate Resilience
15:30 - 15:50
Coffee Break
15:50 - 16:50
S 1.3 (Marmara Hall)
Strengthening Capacities for a Water-Resilient World
S 3.3 (Anadolu Auditorium)
Integrated Frameworks for Disaster Risk Management: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Special Session: İSKİ (Dolmabahçe B (2) Hall)
Good Practices in Metropolitan Water Management
Special Session: IWRA (Dolmabahçe A (1) Hall)
Future of Water: Towards the XX World Water Congress
16:50 - 17:10
Coffee Break
17:10 - 18:10
Special Session: Blue Peace Middle East (Dolmabahçe A (1) Hall)
From Dialogue to Investment: Unlocking Climate-Resilient Finance for Transboundary Water Cooperation: Türkiye- Iraq Experience
S 3.2 (Anadolu Auditorium)
Adapting WASH Services to Climate Challenges
S 2.3 (Marmara Hall)
From Wastewater to Resource: Circular Approaches in Water Management
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