300+ participants, 20+ countries, one shared goal: the future of water security
Leading water sector stakeholders from Africa, Europe, and Asia gathered in Hungary for the international conference “The Future of Water”, organized by the Hungarian Water Partnership within the framework of Planet Budapest 2026.
The dynamic professional dialogue brought together high-level decision-makers, industry innovators, and representatives of development institutions, including Hungarian, African (AfWASA), European (EWA), Asian (ASEM Water, KWWA), Danube-region (IAWD), and national (Shukalb, Shukos) water associations. Global water networks such as IWA and GWOPA, major financing institutions including the World Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and EXIM Bank, as well as a 50-member African professional delegation, also participated.
The objective of the conference was clear: to present concrete and actionable responses to today’s pressing global water challenges.
From left to right: Professor András Szöllősi-Nagy, Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on Water Conflict Management at Ludovika National University of Public Service; Dr. Károly Kovács, President of HWP; François Olivier Gosso, Executive Director of AfWASA
Hungarian Expertise in Focus
Held under the patronage of former President of Hungary Áder János, the compact yet comprehensive program began with a showcase of the Hungarian water sector — highlighting its expertise, capabilities, and innovative technological solutions.
In his opening address, the former President emphasized that the technologies developed by HWP member companies and implemented in cooperation with international partners provide an effective and realistically affordable solution for safe drinking water supply and wastewater treatment in developing regions.
Global Dialogue Across Continents
The conference then turned to global water challenges, explored through keynote presentations by renowned experts and interactive professional panel discussions featuring representatives from ASEM Water, the European Water Association (EWA), AfWASA, GWOPA, and Budapest Water Works.
The afternoon session focused on financing mechanisms and the future of water investments, with particular attention to supporting SDG 6, traditional and innovative financial models, and development pathways beyond 2030.
A highlight of the day was the ceremonial signing of partnership and cooperation agreements (ASEM Water–AfWASA, HWP–PASA), along with the presentation of the HWP Honorary Ambassador title — further strengthening cross-continental professional alliances.
Shared Responsibility, Shared Solutions
The conference clearly demonstrated that water security is a global issue that can only be addressed through cross-border cooperation. Participants expressed a shared commitment to developing innovative and sustainable solutions that ensure security for future generations.
The future of water is our common future — and we are shaping it together.
Discussions concluded that the most effective solutions — both economically and environmentally — can only emerge from strong cooperation and coordinated action. While water challenges are global in scale, they must be addressed locally to prevent worldwide consequences.
Beyond technological innovation, participants also emphasized the critical importance of education programs and the active involvement of local communities.
At the close of the event, attendees unanimously praised the high professional standards and overall success of the conference, highlighting the pivotal role of the Hungarian Water Partnership in advancing international water cooperation. They stressed that without the organization’s active facilitation and network-building efforts, such a broad, multi-continental collaboration would not have been possible — one that promises to create long-term value for the global water community.
