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In just two weeks, Rio de Janeiro will welcome ministers, river basin organizations, scientists, and water stakeholders from around the world for the 2026 World Basin Summit, organized by the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) and the Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretariat of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) from 16 to 19 June. It will takes place in two museums of the city of Rio de Janeiro : Museu do Amanhã and Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR).

Brazil holds some of the world’s largest freshwater reserves. Yet recurring droughts, declining river levels and increasing competition for water resources are exposing a growing vulnerability. As climate change reshapes hydrological patterns, ensuring water security has become one of the country’s most pressing strategic challenges. This contrasting reality reveal a common challenge to be addressed across all latitudes: how can river basins become more resilient in a world where historical hydrological patterns are no longer reliable?

A global dialogue on solutions

This question will be the focus of the Summit’s discussions, bringing together participants from 80 countries to examine how river basin governance can strengthen water security, anticipate growing water shortages, and help territories adapt to increasingly uncertain hydrological conditions.

Exchanges will focus on how river basin management can help societies better prepare for climate uncertainty by integrating flood and drought management, improving forecasting systems, restoring natural water retention capacities and strengthening cooperation between all water stakeholders.

At a time when climate change is transforming water into one of the defining challenges of the 21st century, Rio de Janeiro will provide a unique international platform for exchanging experiences and accelerating solutions.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in the Summit’s four official languages: Brazilian Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

See the full programme

Brazil at the heart of international water cooperation

The Summit is organized by INBO and the Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretariat of Environment and Sustainability, with the support of:

  • the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development (MIDR),
  • the Brazilian Association of Regulatory Agencies (ABAR),
  • the Brazilian National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA),
  • the State Institute of the Environment (INEA),
  • the Fluminense Forum of River Basin Committees (FFCBH),
  • the Brazilian Network of Basin Organisations (REBOB),
  • the Association for the Management of Water Resources in the Paraíba do Sul River Basin (AGEVAP),
  • Águas do Rio.