13th Annual Global Water Alliance Conference

Achieving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sustainability Goals for Developing Countries

January 4-7, 2020 in Kolkata, India

In partnership with the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, SHIBPUR, and the Rural Development Forum of the Institution of Engineers (India)   

With the overwhelming success of the 10th GWA Conference (2017) in Kolkata, India, the Board of Directors of GWA will hold the 13th Annual Conference once again in Kolkata, India on January 4-7, 2020. The conference is jointly organized with local universities and organizations in Philadelphia and with the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, SHIBPUR, the Rural Development Forum of the Institution of Engineers (India) and others in India.   

GWA is now seeking abstracts for oral presentations until September 30, 2019. Click below for more details and how to apply! 

Focus and Context

The focus of the conference will be on sustainability, innovations, test cases, water quality, wetlands preservation, and related issues. We shall discuss the progress of developing countries on the implementation of social, economic and related policies and projects, in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for water, sanitation, and hygiene for all (2015-2030). Sustainability will always be the key focus of the discussions during the conference. Participants from various countries will share insights on the progress of implementations of SDGs in their respective countries.

Substantial progress has been made by South Asian countries and the rest of the world in achieving these goals. The Government of India (GOI) started a vigorous program of Swacch Bharat (Clean India) with the objective to provide access to water and sanitation to all. However, there is much work still to be done and the SDGs will not be met without creative and sustained leadership at the local level. The aim of this conference will be to share the key challenges, opportunities and best solutions involving communities, NGOs, academia and various government organizations. This conference will provide an opportunity to the participants to visit WASH projects in rural West Bengal to analyze and identify issues and provide sustainable solutions.

Participants

Participants will include experts from international organizations such as UNICEF, Water For People, USAID, NGOs, academia, governments, businesses, students and faculty members from the USA, as well as experts from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan, and other countries are expected to actively participate in this conference. The conference will be of interest for any stakeholder working with WASH policy, implementation, and research.