On March 28th, 2023, the International Scientific Committee (ISC) of the XVIII World Water Congress held its 9th meeting online. ISC’s Co-Chairs, Renée Martin-Nagle and Shi Qiuchi, chaired the meeting. ISC Vice Chairs and Members, representatives from the IWRA’s Executive Office, and the Congress Secretariat attended the meeting.

The vice chairs of each working group and Congress Secretariat reported their recent working progress and main outcomes. The ISC members discussed and exchanged comments and suggestions on the following key issues: VIP invitations for plenary sessions (including opening and closing ceremonies), a review of the progress of abstracts and special session proposals, preparation of Beijing Declaration, construction of the registration payment system, and the venue of Congress.

The meeting further encouraged all ISC members to efficiently complete the review of abstracts and special session proposals. Recent works will focus on determining the Congress venue, launching the registration payment system, and setting up the exhibition system.