Asia, Europe and Africa United for Urban Water Management: Hungarian Expertise at the Forefront of Global Cooperation
Water challenges no longer stop at national borders. Climate change, rapid urbanisation, growing water demand and increasing pressure on natural resources are creating complex challenges that require international cooperation, innovation and shared expertise.
These themes were at the centre of the 7th ASEM Seminar on Urban Water Management, held in Helsinki on 27–28 May 2026, bringing together more than 150 water professionals, policymakers, researchers, financial institutions and industry leaders from across Asia and Europe. The event provided a platform for exchanging best practices, exploring innovative technologies and strengthening partnerships that support sustainable urban water management worldwide.
The Hungarian Water Partnership was proudly represented by Dr. Károly Kovács, President of the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP), President of the Hungarian Water Association (HWA), Vice Chairman of the ASEM Water Academic and Development Committee.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Kovács emphasised that the future of water security depends on stronger cooperation between scientific institutions, governments, utilities and the private sector. He highlighted the critical role of international knowledge-sharing in developing resilient and sustainable water management systems capable of adapting to increasingly complex environmental and social challenges.
As moderator of the plenary session on “Optimal Allocation Practice of Urban Water Resources,” Dr. Kovács facilitated discussions among leading experts from Europe and Asia on resilient infrastructure development, water resource allocation and strategies for ensuring sustainable urban growth.
During the seminar, Dr. Kovács also presented Hungarian expertise in drinking water treatment, delivering a presentation on cost-effective arsenic removal solutions. His presentation underscored an important principle that aligns closely with the Hungarian Water Partnership’s mission: water infrastructure investments must be evaluated not only on their initial capital costs but on their long-term operational efficiency, affordability and sustainability. Life-cycle cost analysis and future-proof planning are essential for delivering reliable and resilient water services for generations to come.
A New Bridge Between Continents
One of the most significant outcomes of the Helsinki seminar was the signing of a cooperation agreement between ASEM Water and the African Association of Water Experts (AAEA). The agreement establishes a new framework for collaboration between Asia, Europe and Africa, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, capacity building and innovation across the global water sector.
For the Hungarian Water Partnership, this development represents an important milestone. HWP has long advocated for stronger international partnerships that connect expertise, technology providers, utilities and decision-makers across regions facing similar water challenges.
The new cooperation framework aligns closely with HWP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professional ties between Europe and Africa. Through Dr. Kovács’ role on the Strategic Advisory Board of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and HWP’s active engagement with international water networks, Hungarian expertise continues to contribute to addressing global water and sanitation challenges while creating opportunities for collaboration and market development.
The Role of the Hungarian Water Partnership
As a platform connecting Hungarian water technology providers, engineering companies, consultants, researchers and utilities, the Hungarian Water Partnership actively supports international dialogue and cooperation. Through participation in initiatives such as ASEM Water, AfWASA and numerous regional and global programmes, HWP helps showcase Hungarian innovation while facilitating the exchange of practical solutions that improve water security and climate resilience worldwide.
The Helsinki seminar once again demonstrated that the future of sustainable water management will be built through collaboration. No single country, organisation or sector can address today’s water challenges alone. By bringing together expertise from Asia, Europe and Africa, international partnerships create the foundation for more resilient communities, more sustainable water systems and a more secure future.
The Hungarian Water Partnership remains committed to supporting these efforts, strengthening international networks and promoting innovative, sustainable water solutions that contribute to achieving global water security.
