From 22nd to 26th May, Mr. Callum, the Executive Director of the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), led a delegation to China to assess the preparations for the upcoming XVIII World Water Congress. The preparations for the congress are well underway, with dedicated efforts from the ISC, organising committee and partners.

During their visit, Mr. Callum and his team first inspected the Congress venue, the Beijing China-Germany International Convention and Exhibition Center, as well as various accommodation options for participants. Subsequently, they met with the Department of International Cooperation, Science, and Technology of the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) in China. They also held a coordination meeting at the General Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Planning and Design, MWR, where the Congress Secretariat is based.

Furthermore, the delegation visited the Miyun Reservoir, one of Beijing's key drinking water sources, and the Tuancheng Lake Management Office, located along the mid-route of the South-North Water Diversion project. These visits provided valuable insights into the local water management practices and highlighted the importance of sustainable water resource utilisation.

As preparations for the XVIII World Water Congress progress, the Congress Secretariat will soon release more details about the event's programme. Keep an eye out for updates, as further information will be available online in the coming weeks. The congress promises to be an exceptional platform for global water experts to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and address pressing water challenges.