Welcome Messages
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Welcome Messages
Yuanyuan Li - IWRA President
On behalf of the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), I am honoured to invite you to the 2nd Islands Water Congress, to be held in Jamaica from 9 to 11 December 2026. Under the theme “Resilient Islands: Securing Water for Sustainable Development in a Changing World”, this second edition builds on the strong foundations of the inaugural Congress. In 2024, the first Islands Water Congress brought together 81 speakers from over 40 countries and islands, with nearly 200 participants across 30 sessions—affirming both the urgency of water-related challenges facing small island developing states and island communities, and the strength of island leadership in advancing resilience, innovation, and cooperation.
An island lens—attentive to the distinct environmental, social, and economic contexts of island states and communities—underscores the need for adaptive strategies and innovative solutions to manage water resources amid escalating global pressures, foremost among them climate change. This second Congress reinforces the imperative to safeguard fragile island environments while meeting growing societal and ecological demands.
Convened in close succession to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, the 2nd Islands Water Congress offers a timely platform to translate global commitments into focused dialogue and practical collaboration tailored to island contexts, strengthening coherence between international policy processes and on-the-ground action.
For more than five decades, IWRA has worked to connect science, policy, and practice in support of sustainable water resources management. Through the Islands Water Congress, IWRA reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, knowledge-based cooperation that brings together governments, academia, practitioners, the private sector, civil society, and communities to advance resilient and equitable water futures for island regions worldwide.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Jamaica, and to the Water Resources Authority of Jamaica, for their leadership and partnership in hosting this Congress. Policymakers, researchers, water professionals, development partners, and community leaders are warmly encouraged to register and submit contributions. By participating, you will help shape actionable solutions, share knowledge, and strengthen partnerships that islands need to thrive in a changing world.
We look forward to welcoming you to Jamaica in December 2026.
Geoffrey Marshall - ISC Co-Chair
It is my privilege to welcome you to Montego Bay, Jamaica for the IRA’s 2nd Islands Water Congress. Known as the “Land of Wood and Water” and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is an island nation with a significant global influence belied by its small size. Indeed, Jamaicans are characterised by our resilience amidst varied challenges, not least of which are water resources challenges.
While we meet in the popular tourist resort of Montego Bay, the beautiful vistas and the “sun, sand and fun” should not overshadow the very real risks of climate hazards. The impacts of Hurricane Melissa which struck Western Jamaica in October 2025 are still felt and visible today. These impacts give urgency to the Congress’s theme: “Resilient Islands: Securing Water for Sustainable Development in a Changing World.”
As we collaborate, dialogue, and seek consensus on the best methods to address our unique and common water challenges as islands, I encourage you to prepare for an unforgettable and enriching experience.
I look forward to your presence and input towards a productive, enjoyable and impactful 2nd Islands Water Congress, building upon the success of the 1st Congress in the Faroe Islands. See you in December 2026!
Francesco Sindico - ISC Co-Chair
I would like to add my warm welcome to the 2nd Islands Water Congress. In Jamaica we will continue where we left off in the Faroe Islands in 2024. We will bring together participants interested not only in sharing experiences and expertise in freshwater-related matters relevant for islands, but also interested in making an impact and leaving a legacy. This is the spirit of the IWRA Islands Water Congress series, and we are delighted to work closely with the Water Resources Authority of Jamaica to continue moving in this direction.
The Faroe Islands 2024 Congress led to the establishment of the IWRA Islands and Water Task Force, and also supported the Faroe Islands and Malta in the development of the MoU “Establishing the Torshavn Dialogue on the Sustainable Management of Freshwater on Islands”. In the Jamaica 2026 Congress, we will focus on Jamaica’s resilience in relation to how it prepared for, coped with, and survived Melissa, the strongest hurricane to have ever hit the island to date. We will look at the Melissa story from a freshwater lens, not only in relation to infrastructure, but also governance and culture.
The 2nd IWRA Islands Water Congress provides a unique opportunity for islands to tell their own “Melissa” story and share it with a wider policy-relevant audience. IWRA, in collaboration with its partners, will share the outcomes of the 2nd IWRA Islands Water Congress with a wide range of international stakeholders in forums like the 2027 World Water Forum and the XX IWRA World Water Congress. We will also work closely with our local partners, and the Water Resources Authority of Jamaica, to ensure that the legacy of the Congress lives on in Jamaica and in the wider Caribbean.