IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition 2025
The IWA Water and Development Congress 2025 will take place from 8 to 12 December in Bangkok, Thailand, attracting over 2,500 participants from 85 countries. During the Congress, SNV, together with partners, will share insights and lessons on locally-led water and WASH initiatives in Bangladesh, Benin, Nepal, and Tanzania, highlighting local leadership—by governments and communities—and multi-stakeholder and inclusive collaboration in planning, decision-making, and monitoring.
The Congress follows the heels of COP30—also referred to as the “implementation COP”—and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) Partnership’s unveiling of an updated definition of climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Through meaningful exchange, dialogue, and joint up learning, SNV and partners look forward to building on the momentum for water to flow back into the agenda.
Join our sessions
Scroll down to explore the full programme list to catch up with SNV colleagues and our work around the globe.
Session: Tues, 9 December
WASH system index tool: An opportunity to strengthen WASH service delivery
Tuesday, 9 December | 10:30-12:00 GMT+7
Co-organisers: WaterAid, SNV, and IRC
SNV speakers: Nadira Khawaja and Olivier Germain
Delivering sustainable and inclusive WASH services requires an adaptive, evidence-based approach focused on long-term functionality, equity, and resilience. This session introduces the WASH System Index (WSI) tool, highlighting its methodology and use in assessing policies, institutions, financing, service delivery, and community involvement. Case studies will show how the tool supports informed, evidence-based decision-making.
Session: Wed, 10 December
Bangladesh's sanitation journey: From access to safe management - challenges, successes, and way forward
Wednesday, 10 December | 10:30-12:00 GMT+7
Co-organisers: FSM Network, WaterAid, and SNV
SNV speakers: Rajeev Munankami and Shahidul Islam
[Workshop description to follow shortly]
Session: Fri, 12 December
Driving disruptive change in public toilets: Revolutionising operational models and user behaviour across Asia and Africa
Friday, 12 December | 13:30-15:00 GMT+7
Co-organisers: SNV and WaterAid
SNV speakers: Sharon Roose, Shahidul Islam, Nadira Khawaja, and Olivier Germain
This session examines the operational challenges of maintaining public toilet systems, focusing on financial viability, public–private partnerships, maintenance, and financing options. It also addresses social dimensions, including user behaviour, sanitation etiquette, and community engagement. Together, these insights underscore the importance of addressing both physical and social factors to ensure resilient services and lasting health outcomes.
Toilet pit to policy pixels: Building data-driven sanitation systems in South Asia
Friday, 12 December | 13:30-15:00 GMT+7
Co-organisers: SNV, ITN BUET, and GWSC
SNV speakers: Sumon Mohan Maitra and Rajeev Munankami
This session promotes the role of integrated data ecosystems in enhancing sanitation governance, financing, and sustainability by leveraging national dashboards to monitor local toilets. Building on advancements in digital innovation, participants will utilise tools such as SanBoard and NWASH MIS, share country-specific experiences, and exchange on strategies for future-ready systems. The discussion will highlight how data-driven approaches foster inclusive and resilient urban sanitation solutions.
Inside the NL Pavilion
Exchanges and learning opportunities are not limited to official panel discussions and workshops. Valuable insights can be gained through less formal interactions where direct communication can take place.
Visit the NL Pavilion for an informal catch-up with several SNV team members on our work, with partners, on water security, climate-resilient rural WASH, sustainable urban water cycles, and flood management.
Our latest publications
Local governments and communities in Asia and Africa are working together to develop and test climate-resilient solutions for water and waste management. Many of these solutions can be adapted or expanded for broader implementation.
Download some of the recent materials created by SNV's Water Team with partners.