IWA Podcast

WWCE 2026: Meet Kes Juskowiak, Operations Director, RSE by IWA

WWCE 2026: Meet Hadi Mokarizadeh, Chair, Young Water Professionals Canada Chapter by IWA

WWCE 2026: Meet Andy Webb, Andy Webb, UK Strategy Director , The Workdry Group by IWA

WWCE 2026: Meet Faustina Boachie IWA Gender, Diversity and Water Award Winner by IWA

WWCE 2026: Meet Valerie Naidoo, Executive Manager of Business Development and Innovations, Water Research Commission by IWA

WWCE 2026: Meet Abhishek Narayan, Young Leadership Award Winner by IWA

WWCE 2026: Meet Clarissa Brocklehurst, Global Water Award Winner by IWA

WWCE 2026: Meet Silver Mugisha, Managing Director, NWSC by IWA

IWA Youth Voices Podcast | Strengthening WASH Through Education, Innovation and Youth Leadership How do we move beyond awareness campaigns to create lasting behaviour change in WASH? In this episode of the IWA Youth Voices Podcast, host Natasha Mumba, Vice Chair of the IWA Young Water Professionals Steering Committee, speaks with Thomas DeJose, a participant in the second cohort of the IWA and Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship and founder of WashEd. Thomas shares how the fellowship helped shape his approach to WASH education by placing local context, community ownership and youth leadership at the centre of innovation. Drawing on his work in the Philippines, he explores why sustainable behaviour change requires more than knowledge alone, highlighting the importance of enabling environments, culturally relevant education, and partnerships that empower communities. The conversation also explores the role of gamification and educational technology (EdTech) in making hygiene education engaging,…

🎧 New on the IWA Youth Voices Podcast: The Circle of Water How can we inspire the next generation of water leaders before they even reach university? Natalie Paez and Laurence Stribbe share how the Circle of Water initiative is helping young people aged 8–15 explore water literacy, systems thinking, and sustainability through locally grounded learning experiences around the world. Listen now and discover why making water visible and valued starts with education, curiosity, and conversation. 💧 #IWA #YouthVoices #WaterEducation #YoungWaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

In this episode of IWA Youth Voices, Natasha Mumba is joined by Thiago Martins, an MSCA doctoral researcher exploring circular approaches to wastewater and sludge management. Thiago shares his journey of pursuing a PhD abroad, navigating international research environments, and working between academia and industry. He reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned along the way — from building global networks to turning research into real-world impact. The conversation also dives into how circular thinking can transform wastewater systems, and why taking risks, staying curious, and choosing meaningful work are key to shaping a successful research career.

In this episode of IWA Youth Voices, we bring you reflections from Dakar, Senegal, following the High-Level Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Water Conference 2026. Host, Natasha Mumba, is joined by youth leader Hadi Toure to unpack the purpose and key outcomes of this milestone moment, including the six interactive dialogues shaping the Conference’s agenda. The conversation explores how youth voices were represented in global discussions, the emerging priorities and challenges identified by leaders, and what this means for the future of water governance. Looking ahead to 2026, Hadi shares practical insights on how young water professionals can engage, contribute, and play a meaningful role in driving impact.

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director of Water Global Practice at The World Bank Group, discusses the vital role of financing, technology, and governance in achieving global water security. He emphasises the importance of the IWA Congress as a platform for connecting with water professionals worldwide and sharing best practices in water management, non-revenue water reduction, and technology adoption.

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, EriKa Yarrow Soden, content editor of IWA’s magazine The Source, engages in a compelling conversation with Henk Ovink, Executive Director of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. They discuss the critical challenges facing our water future, emphasising the importance of inclusive partnerships that bring marginalized voices to the table. Henk reflects on the vital role of water in driving equity, climate resilience, and biodiversity, and how events like the IWA Congress foster collaboration and innovative solutions across sectors.

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast, Erica Yarrow Soden, content editor of The Source Magazine, interviews Anise Sacranie, Water Access Director at Gunfros. Anise discusses her role in the Safe Water unit and explores the challenges of public-private partnerships in the water sector, particularly in the global South.

In this episode, we sit down with Austin Alexander, Vice President of Sustainability & Social Impact at Xylem, the principal sponsor of the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. Austin shares insights into her role at Xylem and their long-standing partnership with IWA. We also explore the exciting discussions at the event and the value of Xylem's exhibition presence.

In this episode of the podcast series, Sangeeta Chopra, Director of Innovation, Process Optimisation, and Technical Services at the Ontario Clean Water Agency, Canada discusses the agency's work in water management. She also shares her excitement about connecting with global water industry experts during the Congress and exploring new ideas to enhance the agency's initiatives. Sangeeta's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangeetachopra/

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, host Erica Yarrow Soden, content editor of The Source, interviews Rasha Maal-Bared, Principal Environmental Scientist at CDM Smith, Canada. Rasha shares insights from her 18-year career in water and wastewater treatment, discussing the complexities of emerging contaminants, the significance of wastewater-based epidemiology, and the challenges of sustainability in the sector. She also reflects on her first Congress experience, highlighting the diversity of perspectives and the importance of addressing equity issues in water sanitation and hygiene across North America. Rasha Maal Bared's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmaal-bared/

In this episode of the podcast series catches up with Rosemary Campbell, Head of Water at Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP). Rosemary shares insights into WSUP’s impactful work across Africa and South Asia, focusing on extending water and sanitation services to underserved communities. Discover how WSUP is transforming utilities, managing sanitation projects, and engaging in vital hygiene education. Rosemary's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemary-campbell-1192401/

In this episode of the podcast series of World Water Congress & Exhibition, we had a chance to talk to Michael Jensen, BD Director for the Americas at Grundfos Industry, as he discussed about Industrial Water Forum which took place during the global water event. Michael explains the forum's focus on enhancing collaboration between municipalities and industries to tackle pressing water challenges. He outlines the event’s three key sessions: exploring sectorial relations, discussing cutting-edge technologies in PFAS and resource recovery, and engaging in panel discussions with participants.

In this inspiring episode of the pod, we sit down with Sabrina Rashid Sheonty, the visionary founder of Tetra and a proud recipient of the prestigious Young Leadership Award at the World Water Congress & Exhibition. Sabrina’s remarkable journey is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and leadership in the water sector. Join us as Sabrina shares her path to success, detailing the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career. Discover how her pioneering work at Tetra is making waves in the industry and learn about the impactful projects and initiatives that earned her this accolade. Sabrina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-rashid-sheonty-m-sc-e-i-t-417628107/

In this episode, we interview Rachel Peletz, Executive Director of the Aquaya Institute. Rachel has been a member of the Steering Committee since 2022 and has been working in the Digitisation of Water and Sanitation in LMIC contexts subgroup. Listen as Rachel tells us about what got her started in the water sector and what keeps her going! This series introduces you to the members of the International Water Association’s Digital Water Programme’s Steering Committee and is hosted by IWA Strategic Programmes Officer, Erin Jordan. Join the #DigitalWater conversation online or at the #DigitalWaterSummit in Bilbao this November! Call for Content now open: https://digitalwatersummit.org/programme-2024/ Relevant links - IWA Digital Water Summit: digitalwatersummit.org/ - IWA DWP Connect Plus page: www.iwaconnectplus.org/group/feeds?C…000004Pd0xUAC - IWA Digital Water Newsletter: mailchi.mp/iwa-network/the-new…is-here?e=%5bUNIQID - Rachel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-peletz-97539b29/ - The Aquaya…

In this episode, you get an insight into the life and career of Prabhu Chandrasekeran, Arcadis North America's VP Intelligent Water National Practice Leader. Prabhu is one of the DWP 2023-2025 Steering Committee members and has hit the ground running with his numerous engagement activities. Listen as Prabhu tells us about his upbringing and how it has impacted his view and passion for water, as well as what he's up to now at Arcadis. This series introduces you to the members of the International Water Association’s Digital Water Programme’s Steering Committee and is hosted by IWA Strategic Programmes Officer, Erin Jordan. Relevant links - IWA Digital Water Summit: digitalwatersummit.org - IWA DWP Connect Plus page: www.iwaconnectplus.org/group/feeds?C…000004Pd0xUAC - IWA Digital Water Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/iwa-network/digital-water-newsletter-2 - Prabhu's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myndfulelements/

In this episode, we interview Wim Audenaert, Co-founder and CEO of AM-Team. Wim recently became a member of the DWP 2023-2025 Steering Committee and was one of the keynote speakers at the 2023 IWA Digital Water Summit in Bilbao, Spain. Listen as Wim tells us about his passion for addressing the global water challenges using digital innovations, as well as his exciting, upcoming projects. This series introduces you to the members of the International Water Association’s Digital Water Programme’s Steering Committee and is hosted by IWA Strategic Programmes Officer, Erin Jordan. Relevant links - IWA Digital Water Summit: digitalwatersummit.org - IWA DWP Connect Plus page: www.iwaconnectplus.org/group/feeds?C…000004Pd0xUAC - IWA Digital Water Newsletter: mailchi.mp/iwa-network/the-new…is-here?e=%5bUNIQID - Wim's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wim-audenaert-81277858/

In this episode, we interview Jyoti Gautam, Associate Professor at the Netaji Subhas University of Technology in India. Jyoti joined the Steering Committee in 2022 and has been working on the resilience knowledge track. She is also co-chair of the DW India subgroup and a member of the IWA India Executive Committee. Hear about Jyoti's background, what sparked her work in the water sector and her thoughts on digitalisation. This series introduces you to the members of the International Water Association’s Digital Water Programme’s Steering Committee and is hosted by IWA Strategic Programmes Officer, Erin Jordan. Join the #DigitalWater conversation online or at the #DigitalWaterSummit in Bilbao this November! Registration is open: digitalwatersummit.org Relevant links - IWA Digital Water Summit: https://digitalwatersummit.org - IWA DWP Connect Plus page: www.iwaconnectplus.org/group/feeds?C…000004Pd0xUAC - IWA Digital Water Newsletter: mailchi.mp/iwa-network/the-new…is-here?e=%5bUNIQID - Jyoti's LinkedIn:…

In this episode of the IWA Youth Voices podcast, we explore the transformative experiences of Hadi Toure, a young water professional from Mali, who participated in the IWA & Grundfos Fellowship Gathering in Denmark (11-14 September 2023). Hosted by Muhammad Anique Azam, Chair of the International Water Association Young Water Professional Pakistan Chapter, this episode delves into youth empowerment, global water challenges, and the inspiration that emerges when young water professionals unite. Hadi Toure shares the powerful message she brought to the gathering, emphasising the potential of citizen science to address the global water crisis. The episode includes Hadi's advice for young professionals looking to make a difference in the water sector. Join us for this enriching episode as we explore how the IWA & Grundfos Fellowship Gathering fosters global connections, inspires positive change, and empowers youth to drive sustainable solutions. Hadi's story is a testament to the power of young voices in shaping…

In this episode, we interview Sheilla de Carvalho, Managing Director at the Hydroinformatics Institute in Singapore. Sheilla joined the Steering Committee in 2022 and has been working on the resilience knowledge track. Listen as Sheilla shares snippets of her life's journey and how she transitioned into a digital water professional. This series introduces you to the members of the International Water Association’s Digital Water Programme’s Steering Committee and is hosted by IWA Strategic Programmes Officer, Erin Jordan. Join the #DigitalWater conversation online or at the #DigitalWaterSummit in Bilbao this November! Registration is open: digitalwatersummit.org Relevant links - IWA Digital Water Summit: https://digitalwatersummit.org/ - IWA DWP Connect Plus page: https://www.iwaconnectplus.org/group/feeds?CommunityKey=a0M4K000004Pd0xUAC - IWA Digital Water Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/iwa-network/the-new-iwa-digital-water-newsletter-is-here?e=%5bUNIQID - Sheilla's LinkedIn:…

In this episode, we interview Oliver Grievson who is the Chair of the IWA Digital Water Programme Steering Committee. Oliver has been a member of the DWP Steering Committee since its inception in 2019. As a committee member, he has made, and continues to make, tremendous contributions to the success of the programme through white papers, blogs, and the Digital Water Summit. This series introduces you to the members of the International Water Association’s Digital Water Programme’s Steering Committee and is hosted by IWA Strategic Programmes Officer, Erin Jordan. Join the #DigitalWater conversation online or at the #DigitalWaterSummit in Bilbao this November! Registration is open: digitalwatersummit.org Relevant links - IWA Digital Water Summit: https://digitalwatersummit.org/ - IWA DWP Connect Plus page: https://www.iwaconnectplus.org/group/feeds?CommunityKey=a0M4K000004Pd0xUAC - IWA Digital Water Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/iwa-network/the-new-iwa-digital-water-newsletter-is-here?e=%5bUNIQID - Oliver's…

The second episode of the DWP profiling series features Eunice Namirembe, Innovation Specialist in the Kampala Capital City Authority. This series introduces you to the members of the International Water Association’s Digital Water Programme’s Steering Committee! The IWA Digital Water Programme is on a mission to provide a platform for water utilities to explore and share experiences on their digital water journey. The Programme has provided roadmaps and guidance that will help water utilities in making the transition to the next generation of smart water systems and fulfil the need for improved resiliency to secure and sustainably manage water resources now and in the future. The Steering Committee conceptualises and produces these and other outputs of the Programme including white papers, books, webinars, and podcast series like this. The series is hosted by IWA Strategic Programmes Officer, Erin Jordan. You can connect with Eunice via the links below: -…

This is the first episode of the profiling series, introducing you to the members of the International Water Association’s Digital Water Programme’s Steering Committee! The IWA Digital Water Programme is on a mission to provide a platform for water utilities to explore and share experiences on their digital water journey. The Programme has provided roadmaps and guidance that will help water utilities in making the transition to the next generation of smart water systems and fulfil the need for improved resiliency to secure and sustainably manage water resources now and in the future. The Steering Committee conceptualises and produces these and other outputs of the Programme including white papers, books, webinars, and podcast series like this. Our featured guest is Dr Saba Daneshgar, Postdoctoral Researcher at BIOMATH, Ghent University! The series is hosted by IWA Strategic Programmes Officer, Erin Jordan. Links mentioned during the episode: - IWA Digital Water Programme:…

In this instalment, we delve into the realm of youth engagement within the context of water resources prioritization. Hosted by Chelsea Hayward, a member of the International Water Association (IWA) Young Water Professional Steering Committee, our spotlight guest is Claudia Prehn, a dynamic young water professional hailing from Ecuador. Claudia's remarkable journey unfolds as she shares her experience as a speaker, moderator, and rapporteur during the SDG 6 and Water Action Agenda session at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2023 (HLPF). Representing IWA's Young Water Professionals, Claudia's insights offer a unique perspective on the pivotal role of youth in shaping global dialogues on water sustainability. Tune in as we navigate through her involvement, from the forum's unfolding in New York to the profound lessons she's garnered, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between youth engagement and critical global issues. We explore key moments, themes, and pivotal takeaways from…

This is the third and final instalment of the Earth observation to Policy series promoting the webinar “Science to policy: From Earth Observation to legislation”, coming up on Friday 18 November 2022 at 14:00 GMT! This series explores the challenges and success factors of using EO services for evidence-based policy and national legislature in general and specific contexts. This podcast series is hosted by Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa, Steering Committee Member of the IWA Earth Observation for Water Management Community of Practice. In this episode, Eunice has a conversation with Torsten Bondo, Business Development Manager at DHI. They touch on the progress and development of EO tools and services for application to natural resources management, and how its use can aid in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. During the webinar, Torsten will go further into detail about using EO to determine SDG indicators and Nationally Determined Contributions. Register for the webinar today:…

This is the second instalment of the Earth observation to Policy series promoting the webinar “Science to policy: From Earth Observation to legislation”, coming up on Friday 18 November 2022 at 14:00 GMT! This series explores the challenges and success factors of using EO services for evidence-based policy and national legislature in general and specific contexts. This podcast series is hosted by Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa, Steering Committee Member of the IWA Earth Observation for Water Management Community of Practice. In this episode, Eunice talks to Alexandra Bell, Research Associate in the Earth Observation Research Hub at the Institute of Geography and Geology at the University of Würzburg in Germany. They address the motivation behind Alexandra’s research topic, the prominent themes from her online survey on “Spaceborne remote sensing at the science-policy interface”, and how to raise more awareness about EO’s use in policymaking. During the webinar, Alexandra will present on Exploring the challenges and…

This podcast is the first instalment of the Earth observation to Policy series promoting the webinar “Science to policy: From Earth Observation to legislation”, coming up on Friday 18th November 2022 at 14:00 London time! This series explores the challenges and success factors of using EO services for evidence-based policy and national legislature in general and specific contexts. This podcast series is hosted by Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa, Steering Committee Member of the IWA Earth Observation for Water Management Community of Practice. In this episode we listen to Dr Mark Matthews, Founder and CEO of CyanoLakes, a company which helps water utilities, with limited resources, monitor toxin producing cyanobacteria blooms in their source waters. CyanoLakes is on a journey to enhance the protection of public health by providing near real-time information using free and open satellite remote sensing data. During the webinar, Mark will speak about the successes and challenges of the integration of earth observation into…

The speech addresses the struggles faced by youth throughout their academic and professional journey in the water industry. The speech was delivered on 14 September 2022 during the IWA World Water Congress in Copenhagen and received an emotional standing ovation from the audience.

Welcome to the first episode of the podcast series developed in the framework of the European Horizon 2020 Project PrimeWater. PrimeWater's main objective is to generate and disseminate information on the effects of upstream changes on future water quality and quantity, building on advanced Earth-Observation data products, integration with additional data sources and diagnostic modelling tools. IWA has established a partnership with Geo AquaWatch, aiming at enabling water professionals to access and share information on the application of Earth Observation (EO) information and technologies for improved water management.

Discover the highlights of the second week of the congress with our 'The Source' Editor Keith Hayward.

Emma Howard Boyd, keynote speaker and Chair of the Environment Agency in England reflects on the need for climate adaptation and action for better water management.

David Sedlak, from UC Berkeley, set the scene at the opening of IWA's virtual #WorldWaterCongress. In this podcast, he talks about the challenges and opportunities for the water sector, and the sense of urgency of solving the water crisis.

IWA's Digital World Water Congress (24 May - 04 June 2021) is the online conference for water professionals covering the whole water cycle, from wastewater recovery to water resources management. In this podcast, we'll take you through the updates from Week 1.

Listen to the inspiring words of our outstanding IWA Young Water Professionals proving excellence for the water sector with a drive for a water-wise world.

Uncertainty in planning, designing and modelling of urban water infrastructure. For more insights about Uncertainty, read the #WhitePaper on Digital Water: The importance of knowing what we do not know here: https://bit.ly/3eqB14H

Tangible solutions (rather than technologies)being developed to address specific challenges in real-life water systems. You can also read more about it in the #WhitePaper on Digital Water: Artificial Intelligence Solutions for the Water Sector: https://bit.ly/3a8Pr7p

Tangible solutions (rather than technologies)being developed to address specific challenges in real-life water systems.

Understanding the circular economy, sanitation safety planning on the ground, turning insects into multiple products, and much more...