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Purpose of the call for applications
The International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) is launching a call for applications to host the World Basin Summit in 2028. This international event, held every two years, brings together stakeholders from around the world to discuss Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) at the level of river basins, lakes, and aquifers.
Why apply?
Hosting the 2028 Summit is a unique opportunity to:
- Position your country as a leader in sustainable water resources management.
- Strengthen partnerships with basin organizations around the world.
- Share your innovations and best practices in IWRM.
- Benefit from international visibility among key players in the sector.
Main targets of the call for applications:
This global event aims to alternate between continents as host locations. As the last two editions took place in Europe (France, 2024) and Latin America (Brazil, 2026), applications from Africa and Asia-Pacific will be given priority for the 2028 edition.
Applications should preferably be submitted by a national government, or even a local authority or river basin management organization, with the support of its national government.
Context and objectives
The Summit aims to:
- Promote dialogue between different IWRM models at the basin level.
- Share experiences, tools, and methodologies for sustainable water resource management.
- Strengthen international cooperation between water sector stakeholders and basin organizations.
- Consolidate and revitalize the network of basin organizations in order to promote cooperation and coordination of their actions.
- Promote the host country as a key player in sustainable water management, highlighting its expertise and local context.
Event profile
- Target audience: 250 to 500 delegates (representatives of basin organizations, national administrations, local authorities, international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, technical institutions).
- Participation in the Summit is free of charge for delegates (access to sessions and social events). Delegates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Official languages: English, French, and Spanish, plus the local language of the host country if necessary.
- Format: 100% in-person, over 4 to 5 consecutive days, including:
- participatory technical workshops or working meetings, open to all or private, successive or parallel (generally 1 to 1.5 days)
- 1 high-level political opening session (up to ½ day)
- 5 thematic plenary sessions (usually 2 days)
- 1 INBO statutory session (1.5 hours)
- 2 to 3 parallel technical and cultural visits (½ to 1 day).
Expectations of the host country
The host country, in partnership with INBO, undertakes to play a role in:
Thematic contribution and programming
- Local contribution: Propose thematic priorities in line with the national context of water and environmental management in the host country.
- Capacity to mobilize speakers:
- Invite and confirm the participation of national VIPs for high-level segments (opening and closing ceremonies).
- Suggest national speakers (representatives of basin organizations, administrations, experts) for thematic sessions.
Logistics and practical organization
- Venues and equipment:
The venue must have
- a plenary conference room with a capacity of 500 people,
- at least 3 other conference rooms for workshops and meetings,
- 1 room for VIPs and bilateral meetings,
- 1 room for the media and the secretariat (equipped with a printer)
- an exhibition space (for posters or presentations),
- sound systems, video projection and banners for the event, and dedicated areas for simultaneous interpretation.
- Preferably, the venue should be easily accessible from the airport or train station where participants will arrive, and close to accommodation.
- Language services: Provide simultaneous interpretation in INBO’s official languages (English, French, Spanish) and in the local language if necessary.
- Accommodation and transportation:
- Negotiate preferential rates for delegates at local hotels.
- Organize local transportation (shuttles between the airport/train station, hotels, and event venue) if appropriate (depending on the availability of an efficient public transportation network).
- Technical and cultural tour: Plan a half-day or full-day tour that includes technical and cultural elements representative of the host country.
- Social events: Organize coffee breaks, lunches, and four evening receptions (including a welcome cocktail, an official gala dinner, and a closing cocktail), reflecting the local culture.
Communication and visibility
- Media mobilization: Collaborate with INBO to engage the national and international press and ensure media coverage of the event.
- Logistical support:
- Provide signage, banners, and local announcements at the event site.
- Provide video and photo capture devices, as well as hybrid or live formats if possible.
Funding
- Responsibility for mobilizing the financial resources necessary for the organization: financial partnership with public organizations as a priority, or even with private organizations. Financial support from private organizations may entitle them to special visibility (posters or stands at the conference site, excluding a slot for intervention in thematic plenary sessions).
- The host country and INBO will agree on a specific financial agreement, detailed in a separate document. The right to organize the 2028 edition is set at a minimum of €80,000 net of taxes.
Selection criteria
Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Political support: Participation and support of national and local authorities in organizing the event.
- Logistical capacity: Availability of the necessary infrastructure and services (rooms, accommodation, transport, interpretation services).
- Thematic relevance: Alignment between local water management issues and the objectives of the World Basin Summit.
- International reach: Ability to mobilize a diverse audience and ensure media visibility.
- Innovation and sustainability: Proposal of innovative elements (reduction of carbon footprint, etc.).
Application procedure
Applications must include:
1. A cover letter signed by a national or local authority, expressing the commitment to organize the Summit, and including in particular:
- a short presentation of the candidate and its institutional role in basin management,
- the context of basin water management in its country, its national/local water management challenges, available infrastructure,
- a provisional overall financing plan, and
- a list of national partners involved.
2. A preliminary proposal for the organization of the event (document to be completed provided by the INBO secretariat).
Deadline for submission: April 30, 2026
To be sent to: secretariat@inbo-news.org
Provisional timetable
- Launch of the call: March 9, 2026
- Receipt of applications: Until April 30, 2026
- Evaluation and selection: May-June 2026
- Announcement of the host country: June 18, 2026 during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Summit in Rio de Janeiro
INBO is at your disposal for any further information and thanks you for your interest in this global event.