Glasgow is preparing to host one of the world’s largest water events.
The International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition will take place at the Scottish Event Campus from October 4 to 8.
This marks the first time Scotland will host the event, which brings together thousands of industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the globe.
Delegates will participate in technical sessions, site visits and international forums focused on how water management can support resilience and prosperity worldwide.
Alex Plant, chief executive of Scottish Water and co-president of the congress, said: "It is a tremendous honour for Scotland to welcome the world's water community to Glasgow.
"Water underpins public health, thriving communities, environmental resilience and economic prosperity.
"Yet across the world we face growing pressures from climate change, population growth and increasing demand.
"This Congress is an opportunity not only to discuss those challenges but to accelerate practical solutions.
"By bringing together expertise from every continent, we can learn from one another and develop the partnerships needed to deliver lasting change.
"Scotland has a strong story to share, from long-term investment in water infrastructure and innovation to our work on nature-based solutions, digital technology and building resilient services for future generations."
Scottish Water will showcase its projects and innovations throughout the event, offering visitors a chance to see first-hand the country’s ambition in the water sector.
The theme of this year’s congress, Water Action: The Path to Resilience and Prosperity, highlights the fundamental role of water in economic growth, public health and environmental sustainability.
Plant explained that the conversations in Glasgow would extend beyond infrastructure, exploring water’s wider impact on society and the environment.
He said: "This most critical of conversations cannot be the water sector talking to itself.
"Water sits at the centre of energy, housing, health, agriculture, planning, transport and economic growth.
"The Congress will therefore bring together governments, regulators, utilities, investors and industry to think system-wide about climate, nature and growth.
"The programme that the IWA Committee has put together will focus on moving beyond end-of-pipe solutions and towards upstream interventions, embedding whole-system thinking and planning, driving cross-sector collaboration and recognising the foundational nature of water and waste water."
Plant also praised Scotland’s policy and regulatory framework, which is built on long-term planning, public ownership and independent economic regulation, for enabling steady and sustained investment in the sector.
He said: "From catchment-scale thinking and nature-based solutions to digital innovation, low-carbon treatment and blue-green infrastructure, Scottish Water is developing practical solutions that can help build more resilient services.
"For example, last year we completed our £235m investment to link the Glasgow and Ayrshire networks, improving security of supply for one million people.
"And right now, we are working with partners to develop Pioneer Catchments in areas like the Almond, Angus Glens and South Esk, and Dee.
"These innovative projects draw sectors together to develop upstream solutions to address the key challenges presented by a changing climate in ways that are much cheaper and effective than if we only deal with these problems downstream.
"Hosting the world in Glasgow allows us and colleagues across the UK to showcase that kind of innovation – not to say we have all the answers, but to share what we are learning and to learn just as much from others."
