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Call for Papers

The inaugural South Africa International Water Week (SAIWW), invites researchers, practitioners, policymakers, innovators, and thought leaders to submit proposals for presentations, panel discussions, and poster presentations aligned with the conference theme and sub-themes.

The theme for SAIWW 2026 is “ Invest in water: Investing in the foundations of our sustainable water future”. This theme positions the conference discourse around the criticality of water investments and the growing investment needs of the water sector. The theme further presents the SAIWW foundation’s mission of “connecting water innovation with investment opportunities”. The conference is thus more than a meeting for robust discourse, the conference seeks to drive tangible actions and achieve lasting impact.

SAIWW 2026 will convene a diverse community of stakeholders to explore investment opportunities, innovations, and partnerships that can shape a sustainable and climate-resilient water future for South Africa, Africa, and the world.

Cross-cutting Theme: Investments and Climate Change.

The conference sub-themes, a holistic view of the water sector’s foundational pillars. These pillars will be positioned within the context of the investment needs in those areas and the climate change considerations for the sub-theme. Therefore, investment, which is the overarching conference theme, and climate change are cross-cutting themes which will underlie all discourse.

Climate change can no longer be discussed in isolation. The growing body of evidence shows that all aspects of water management will be affected by climate change. Therefore, all talk and activity regarding the future of water management in policy, innovation, awareness, equity and efficiency, must apply a climate change lens, in seeking to build a truly sustainable and climate-resilient water future.

Chosen Topics for Submission:

Policy, Governance, and the Economics of Water

This theme anchors the entire water management ecosystem. It deals with the rules, institutions, and financial models that determine how water is allocated, priced, and protected. Effective policy sets the direction for sustainable use, while governance ensures that decisions are transparent, inclusive, and accountable. The economics of water introduces the critical question of value—how we fund infrastructure, incentivize conservation, and make water services both accessible and financially viable.

Innovative Solutions

Innovation is the engine of transformation in water systems. It encompasses everything from cutting-edge technologies to novel approaches in community engagement and infrastructure design. Whether it's AI-driven leak detection, decentralized purification systems, or gamified conservation apps, innovation challenges the status quo and opens new pathways for resilience. It thrives on experimentation and cross-sector collaboration, pushing boundaries to solve problems that traditional methods can't.

Awareness, Education, and Capacity Building

This theme is about cultivating a culture of understanding and empowerment. Awareness campaigns help people recognize the urgency of water issues, while education embeds water literacy into schools, media, and public discourse. Capacity building goes a step further, equipping individuals, institutions, and communities with the skills and tools to manage water resources effectively. Together, these elements foster informed participation and long-term stewardship.

Access, Equity, and Quality

At its heart, this theme is about justice. It insists that clean, safe water is a human right, not a privilege. It addresses disparities in infrastructure, affordability, and service delivery, ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind. Quality standards are central here—not just in terms of chemical safety, but also in reliability, dignity, and user experience. This theme reminds us that sustainability must be inclusive to be truly effective.

Efficiency, Demand, and Management

This theme focuses on the operational backbone of water systems. Efficiency means minimizing waste and maximizing impact, whether through smart metering, optimized irrigation, or behavioral nudges. Understanding demand is crucial for balancing competing needs across agriculture, industry, and households. Management ties it all together, coordinating supply chains, maintenance schedules, and emergency responses to ensure that water systems are robust, responsive, and future-proof.

Submission Guidelines

  • Submit a 300-word abstract clearly indicating the sub-theme your proposal addresses.
  • Proposals may include research findings, case studies, policy insights, or innovative practices.
  • All submissions must be made via the official submission link by 05 November 2025.
  • Abstracts will be assessed according to the following criteria:
    • Relevance to the theme and sub-themes
    • Impact and significance
    • Originality/innovation
    • Interdisciplinarity/collaboration
    • Quality of submission
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