**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW-2026), scheduled for September 22–26, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Centered on the theme "Climate Resilient Water Management," the event aims to drive global collaboration and dialogue on sustainable water resources. Key actions include achieving a target of one crore water conservation structures by May 2026 and opening delegate registrations via the newly live official website.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Overview and Launch**
* Launched on April 22, 2026, by Union Minister Shri C. R. Patil, who released the official brochure and portal.
* Scheduled for five days, featuring 49 sessions, bilateral meetings, and field visits.
* Includes a four-day state-of-the-art exhibition at Bharat Mandapam to facilitate business opportunities and networking.
* **Strategic Themes and Forums**
* Focuses on sub-themes such as equitable water governance, innovative financing models, and technology for water security.
* Features specialized segments: Ministerial Plenary, Global Water Leaders’ Plenary, Youth Forum, Start-up Forum, and Practitioners’ Forum.
* Incorporates the Second International WASH Conference-2026 from September 22–24 to address sanitation and hygiene challenges.
* **National Conservation Initiatives**
* Supports the vision of *Viksit Bharat* through the "Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari" mass movement.
* Sets a national target to complete one crore artificial recharge and water conservation structures by May 2026.
* Earmarks 30% to 65% of expenditure under MGNREGS and VB G RAM G specifically for water conservation activities.
* **Participation and Collaboration**
* Invitations extended to 150 countries, with 11 expected to participate as partner countries.
* Participation involves 84 Central Ministries/Departments and 36 States/UTs.
* Encourages involvement from international organizations, NGOs, innovators, school children, and young professionals.
**Impact Analysis**
**Global Water Experts and International Organizations**
**Impact**
Stakeholders are provided a global platform to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative financing models for water infrastructure.
**Action Required**
Register as delegates through the official website and prepare to present research or expertise during thematic forums.
**Central and State Government Departments**
**Impact**
Ministries and local governments are mandated to align with national water conservation targets and integrate climate-resilient strategies into their planning.
**Action Required**
Ensure the earmarked 30%–65% of relevant funds are directed toward conservation activities and coordinate departmental participation in the event.
**Private Sector and Start-ups**
**Impact**
Businesses and innovators gain access to a platform for showcasing technologies and connecting with prospective global partners and customers.
**Action Required**
Secure participation in the state-of-the-art exhibition and the dedicated Start-up Forum to explore business opportunities.
**Civil Society and NGOs**
**Impact**
These groups are identified as critical partners in transforming water conservation into a grassroots mass movement.
**Action Required**
Collaborate with the Ministry to highlight success stories and drive local engagement to meet the May 2026 conservation structure targets.
Key Entities Referenced
9th India International Water Week (IIWW-2026): India’s flagship global water event focused on climate-resilient water management and international collaboration.
Ministry of Jal Shakti: The primary government ministry responsible for organizing the event and overseeing national water resource policies.
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: A mass movement initiative for water conservation aimed at creating one crore artificial recharge structures.
MGNREGS: A national employment scheme where a significant share of expenditure is earmarked for water conservation activities.
Second International WASH Conference-2026: A concurrent international forum held alongside IIWW to address challenges in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Shri C. R. Patil Launches 9th India International
Water Week, India’s Flagship Global Water Event
150 countries invited; forum to drive dialogue on climate-
resilient water management and global collaboration
Posted On: 22 APR 2026 5:49PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Jal Shakti will organize the 9th edition of India International Water Week (IIWW-2026)
on the theme “Climate Resilient Water Management” from 22nd to 26th September 2026 at Bharat
Mandapam, New Delhi. Marking the commencement of the event, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R.
Patil, launched IIWW-2026 at Shram Shakti Bhavan, New Delhi, today, where he released the official
brochure and made the IIWW-2026 website portal live.
The programme was graced by the presence of Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Shri V. L. Kantha Rao; Secretary, Department
of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Shri Ashok K. K. Meena; Director General, National Water
Development Agency, Shri Baleshwar Thakur; Chairman, Central Water Commission, Shri Anupam
Prasad; Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Water Mission, Ms. Archana Varma; along with
senior officials of the Ministry.
In his address, the Minister highlighted the key features of the upcoming event and expressed confidence
that IIWW-2026 will bring together experts, planners, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe
to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in water management.During the media interaction, the Union Minister underscored the importance of sustained water
conservation efforts as a cornerstone for achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the clarion
call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the launch of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari in September
2024, urging citizens to make water conservation a mass movement. He underlined that over 60 lakh
artificial recharge and water conservation structures have already been created under the initiative and
expressed confidence that the target of one crore structures will be achieved by May 2026.
The Minister further stated that, as per the directions of the Prime Minister, a significant share of
expenditure under MGNREGS/VB G RAM G, ranging from 65% to 30%, have been earmarked for water
conservation activities.
The five-day conference to be held in September will feature bilateral meetings and a wide range of
sessions, including Ministerial Plenary, Global Water Leaders’ Plenary (GWLPLN), Water Leaders’ Forum
(WLF), Practitioners’ Forum (PF), Country Forum, Thematic Forum (TF), Youth Forum (YF), and Start-
up Forum. The Thematic Forum will cover sub-themes such as inclusive and equitable water governance,
collaboration for optimal use of water resources, technology and community for water security, water in
climate-related risks, innovative financing models for water infrastructure and modernization, sustainable
water resources management, and water for people and the planet. Special sessions and events involving
Ministries, Departments, international organizations, young professionals, school children, NGOs, and
success stories will further enhance the inclusivity of the conference.The event will include 49 sessions across various themes in the water sector. Around 150 countries have
been invited to participate, with 11 countries expected to join as partner countries. Additionally, all 84
Central Government Ministries/Departments and 36 States/UTs have been invited, with about six Central
Ministries and 16 States/UTs likely to partner in the event.
A state-of-the-art exhibition, spread over four days at Hall No. 14GF, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will
provide a platform for business opportunities and enable participants to connect with prospective partners
and customers. The final day of the event will include field visits.
The Second International WASH Conference-2026 will also be held from 22nd to 24th September 2026 as
part of IIWW-2026, bringing together experts, researchers, and practitioners to address key challenges in
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
The Ministry has invited participation from foreign countries, partner countries, national and international
organizations, Ministries, Departments, State Governments, NGOs, industries, exhibitors, and all
stakeholders working in the water sector to make the event a success.
The IIWW-2026 website (https://www.indiawaterweek.in/) is now operational and open for delegate
registration.
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RC/AMK/HM
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