The 2026 Danube Water Forum "From Vision to Action: Building a Water-Resilient Danube Region" will convene from 20 to 22 May, 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria, back to back with business meetings as well as the annual UBP Danube Hub workshop and a Young Water Professionals pre-event. 

The event is organised by IAWD under the Danube Water Program, run by IAWD and the World Bank, and co-funded by the Austrian Government. Local hosts of the event are IAWD members, i.e. the Bulgarian Water Association (BWA) and Sofia Water.  

Themed “From Vision to Action: Building a Water‑Resilient Danube Region,” the event will bring together more than 150 stakeholders to explore the EU Water Resilience Strategy and what its emerging priorities mean in practice for water and wastewater utilities across the region. A dedicated spotlight on the host country’s state of the sector will highlight its current status and progress, placing it in context with developments in neighboring countries. The program will further dive into the key technical areas shaping resilience today - such as smart asset management, enhanced water efficiency, and effective, resource‑conscious wastewater treatment - demonstrating how innovation can strengthen daily operations as well as long‑term sustainability. Completing the agenda, the Forum will turn to the human dimension of resilience, emphasizing workforce development, strong utility partnerships, and empowered leadership as essential drivers of reliable, future‑ready water services.

The Forum will offer ample networking opportunities - from the welcome reception to the festive conference dinner -creating the perfect setting to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and engage with a diverse range of exhibitors ready to showcase their latest solutions. Registration opens in mid‑March, so stay tuned and secure your spot early to be part of this signature event!