6th Global Water Operators Partnerships Congress
The Global Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) Congress is the flagship networking and knowledge sharing event organized by UN-Habitat through the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA).
Convening every two years, the Global WOPs Congress is the foremost meeting place dedicated to water and sanitation utilities within the UN system. It brings together operators, local and national governments, development partners and a diverse array of stakeholders to exchange knowledge, inspire action, and strengthen capacity to achieve universal access to water and sanitation.
With the support of the Government of Germany, the 6th edition of the Global WOPs Congress will be held from 27–30 October 2025 in Bonn, Germany, under the theme ‘Solidarity in Action: Stronger Utilities for Thriving Cities.’ This year, the Congress will be held during Urban October – a month-long initiative led by UN-Habitat, observed every October to promote sustainable urban development and raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities of urbanization.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through water and sanitation
Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human right for health and well-being. Currently, 2.2 billion people cannot count on contamination-free water, and 3.5 billion lack sanitation systems that protect them from disease. Water quality is declining, and freshwater ecosystems are degrading, threatening the continued availability of water for basic services.
The Congress stands as testimony to GWOPA’s strategic objectives and global pledge to advance the UN Water Action Agenda. Its outcomes will directly contribute to several global dialogues, including the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, other UN climate and water initiatives, and to a roadmap for the water and sanitation operators’ constituency towards the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, and supporting the implementation of the UN System-wide Strategy on Water and Sanitation.
Thematic tracks:
1. Innovation in water and sanitation services management
2. Human right to water and sanitation: Leaving no one and no place behind
3. Climate action and resilience
Why participate?
· Networking and matchmaking opportunities
· Learning and exchange of knowledge and expertise
· Advocacy for global recognition
· Meet and join the growing community of WOP practitioners
The Congress will be hybrid, allowing both in-person and virtual participation with interpretations in English, Spanish and French to maximize accessibility. Attendance for the Congress is free of charge. For more information visit: https://gwopa.unhabitat.org/wop-congress
Who will be there?
Previous editions have brought together participants from over 80 countries, including public and private water and sanitation operators, their associations, community-based service providers, labour unions, city networks, civil society organizations, I/NGOs, financial institutions, academia, development partners and independent experts.
The event will welcome those practicing, supporting, studying or curious about using not-for-profit peer support between water and sanitation operators to improve global water and sanitation services. The programme will include high-level plenaries, thematic sessions, workshops, a technical field visit, and networking spaces.