Theme: Reimagining Water Governance for Just and Sustainable Futures
The 11th International Water Conference took place virtually on January 21 and 22, 2026.
This annual event, organised by ActionAid Bangladesh since 2016, served as a vital platform for connecting local realities with global ideas. It reaffirmed that water is not a mere commodity but a fundamental human right. By bringing together a diverse blend of researchers, academics, and international experts, the conference aimed to transition from cultural reflection to action-orientated policy and governance. The proceedings addressed the deepening vulnerabilities of communities dependent on water resources amidst intensifying climate change. Ultimately, the gathering highlighted the core question of justice in ensuring a resilient and shared water future.
Under 4 thematic sessions consisting of 15 presentations and discussions by 10 eminent discussants across the world, the gathering moved from concern to commitment by combining community knowledge with science to ensure resilient and sustainable water futures.
Day 1: 21 January 2026, Wednesday
⚖️Thematic Session 1: Water Justice and Governance
🚰Thematic Session 2: Urban Water Systems and Water Futures
On the first day of the 11th International Water Conference 2026, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed unpacked this year’s theme, introducing four Ps (Pollution, Power, Politics and Profit) and how they overlapped with water management and water governance.
The many tangled dimensions of water were laid out through his reflections, which were further enriched by insights from our Country Director Farah Kabir, Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan (Quan), Dr. Champa M. Navaratne, Sakib Mahmud, Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Tamazer Ahmed, Muntaha Kadir, Khandaker Ruhama Amin, Dr. Emma Porio, and Anika N Haque.
Watch the discussion here: Day1
Day 2: 22 January 2026, Thursday
🌍 Thematic Session 3: Climate Crisis and Innovation for Water Justice
🌐 Thematic Session 4: Transboundary Water Accountability and Regional Cooperation
Beginning with the welcome speech by our Country Director Farah Kabir, Day 2 primarily covered presentations on Innovations for Water Justice, Marine Water Sustainability, Community Driven Water Cleanup, and Sustainable Engagement. The later session featured topics such as Transboundary River Management between Bangladesh and India, and Riverbank Erosion Dynamics in the Teesta Basin.
Moderated by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director, Centre for Alternatives, and Dr. Haseeb Md. Irfanullah, Visiting Research Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), the sessions were enriched by the presence of Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava, Erad Kawsar, Afia Adiba Hafsa, Mir Munes Ifty, Fayyaz Baqir, Dipak Gyawali, Muhibul Hasan Arnob, Emran Hossain, Dr. Jayanta Basu, Mohammad Abu Sayed, Dr. Zhang Jin, Remy Kinna, Dr. John Dore and Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed.
Watch the discussion here: Day2
After the insightful sessions, we came to stand together in one understanding. By integrating policy dialogue, cultural reflection and innovative learning, the conference aimed to inspire a paradigm shift: from managing water as a commodity to governing it as a shared right and collective responsibility.The conference concluded with the promise to sit again next year. Till then, our advocacy to establish the reimagined water governance may bring visible success and tangible outcomes on the ground and beyond the seas.
