IWA views itself as a global network of water professionals spanning the continuum between research and practice and covering all facets of the water cycle. Through their IWA membership water professionals can improve their collaboration so as to develop effective and sustainable approaches to water management.

The ultimate strength and the greatest potential of IWA lies in the diversity of its membership, both professionally and geographically. IWA is a complex mosaic of different member communities and organisations, including academic researchers and research centres as well as utilities, consultants, regulators, industrial water users and water equipment manufacturers.

IWA recognises that many states have already gathered much strength in water management through their national and regional associations. IWA seeks to complement these services and provides added value in fostering global connections and worldwide networking opportunities for national and regional leaders. The Danube Region is a region of great significance offering as it does exciting challenges, strong economic growth (with consequent opportunities and threats) and excellent academic and technical skills.

The Framework Agreement for the conduct of IWA’s 2008 World Water Congress was, symbolically, signed at two key meetings of the partners in the heart of the region: the most recent IAWD General Assembly meeting in Vienna and the subsequent IWA Executive Committee meeting in Kovaskal near Budapest.

Before Vienna was selected as venue of the 2008 World Water Congress, the Austrian capital had to prevail over strong bidders from many other European countries. The decision of IWA’s Governing Board in favour of Vienna reflects IWA’s appreciation of the strategic importance of the Danube Region.

It further recognises the strength and commitment of the Organising Committee from Vienna and others in the Danube Basin. IWA is convinced that the 2008 World Water Congress will be enormously successful – last but not least because of the competence of the people in the region and their integrity and commitment to the water sector.

The World Water Congress is but one component of IWA’s involvement in the Danube Basin. In the lead up to September 2008 there are several significant regional water events: the Conferences on Sewer Operation and Maintenance (Vienna, October 2006), Water in Protected Areas (Dubrovnik, Croatia, April 2007), Ground Water Management in the Danube River Basin and Other Large River Basins (Belgrade, Serbia, June 2007), Design Operation and Economics of Large Waste Water Treatment Plants (Vienna, September 2007), and the 2007 Water Loss Conference (Bucharest, Romania, September 2007). In the medium to long term, IWA will seek to continue and strengthen its ongoing collaboration with regional partners and to further increase its membership. IWA will also support regional and national initiatives in the Danube Basin.

As mentioned above, IWA membership is open to individuals and institutions. Students receive a discounted subscription. IWA members have access to the following interesting benefits:

• free subscription to the association’s magazine Water 21,
• ability to participate in specialist groups, forums and networks,
• discounted fees at IWA events – including the 2008 World Water Congress in Vienna.

Contact & Information:

International Water Association (IWA)
Alliance House, 12 Caxton Street
London SW1H 0QS, UK
Tom Mollenkopf (Deputy Director)
Tel.: +44/20/7654-5521
Fax: +44/20/7654-5555