The 6th Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Congress
The Global Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) Congress is the flagship networking and knowledge-sharing event organized by UN-Habitat through the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA). Convening every two years, the Global WOPs Congress is the foremost meeting place dedicated to water and sanitation utilities within the UN system. It brings together operators, local and national governments, development partners, and a diverse array of stakeholders to exchange knowledge, inspire action, and strengthen capacity to achieve universal access to water and sanitation.
With the support of the Government of Germany, the 6th edition of the Global WOPs Congress will be held from 27–30 October 2025 in Bonn, Germany, under the theme ‘Solidarity in Action: Stronger Utilities for Thriving Cities.’ This year, the Congress will be held during Urban October – a month-long initiative led by UN-Habitat, observed every October to promote sustainable urban development and raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities of urbanization.
The Congress stands as testimony to GWOPA’s strategic objectives and global pledge to advance the UN Water Action Agenda. Its outcomes will directly contribute to several global dialogues, including the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, other UN climate and water initiatives, and to a roadmap for the water and sanitation operators’ constituency towards the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, supporting the implementation of the UN System-wide Strategy on Water and Sanitation.
Congress Objectives
The Global WOPs Congress aims to empower operators to expand their role in achieving the SDGs by advancing knowledge, promoting the exchange of experiences and expertise, and mobilising support for WOPs.
As such, the Congress seeks:
- To scale up solidarity-based capacity development approaches
- To strengthen partnership and collaboration
- To advance knowledge and expertise
- To promote an enabling environment for utilities and WOPs
Solidarity in Action: Stronger Utilities for Thriving Cities
The 6th Global WOPs Congress will focus on fostering innovation, climate action and resilience, and inclusive service delivery through solidarity-based partnerships in water and sanitation. The Congress will also examine WOP impacts and foster a policy, financing, and institutional environment that supports utilities in helping cities advance towards the SDGs.
Where and When?
The Congress will take place from 27 to 30 October 2025 at the World Conference Center Bonn in the host city of GWOPA, Bonn, Germany. The Congress will be hybrid, allowing both in-person and virtual participation, with interpretation in English, Spanish, and French to maximize accessibility.
