Waterproof 2026 – Shaping water solutions for a changing climate
Waterproof 2026 is the international meeting place where the water sector comes together to help shape tomorrow’s water solutions. In the run-up to the UN Water Conference 2026, this one-day event invites professionals to actively contribute to the ideas, partnerships and actions that will be presented on the global stage.
About the event
Organised by Partners for Water, a Dutch government programme linking public, private, financial, knowledge, and social organisations, Waterproof 2026 brings together around 400 international water professionals. Partners for Water has supported over 100 projects in more than 25 years, strengthening water security and safety worldwide.
The event brings together around 400 international water professionals to address the question: How can water accelerate climate action, resilience, and sustainable development?
Focus and objectives
Water challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected. Climate change, biodiversity loss, urbanisation, and water security require integrated solutions and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Key objectives of Waterproof 2026 include:
- Facilitating exchange of perspectives across sectors and disciplines
- Linking local realities with global ambitions
- Generating practical ideas that can move from strategy to action
- Informing the international water agenda for the UN Water Conference 2026
Participants
The event is relevant for professionals from the internationally active Dutch water sector, including:
- Public authorities and policymakers
- Private companies and financiers
- Knowledge institutions and researchers
- NGOs and social organisations
- Students
Participation is relevant for those working on water, climate, finance, innovation, or governance.
Expected outcomes
Participants can:
- Expand professional networks across the water sector
- Contribute to discussions through structured round-table sessions
- Gain insights from multiple perspectives on water security, climate action, and enabling environments
- Influence the international water agenda, including contributions to the 2026 UN Water Conference