This session brings together three powerful initiatives advancing utility transformation in water and sanitation through data, diagnostics, and leadership:

NewIBNET’s and IWA’s benchmarking tools and Climate Smart Utilities framework
The New International Benchmarking Network offers water utilities, associations and regulators globally to use the World Bank benchmarking tools free of charge and come together in a Community of Practice focused on data driven operational efficiency and strategic management.
IWA’s Climate Smart Utilities Initiative aims to inspire water and sanitation utilities to become increasingly Climate Smart. Through the initiative, utilities worldwide are empowered by fostering innovation, building resilience to climate impacts, and accelerating the transition to low-carbon operations through shared knowledge, leadership, and collective action.
Together, NewIBNET and IWA lead an annual Learning Initiative for Data Pioneers in utilities, associations, and regulators since 2022.

AgroParisTech’s K-OpT immersive diagnostic methodology
The Chair has been offering AgroParisTech diploma courses for senior executives managing urban water and wastewater services in emerging and developing countries. The training’s unique 360° approach helps participants prepare for or excel in management positions. K-OpT case studies go beyond estimating service evolution and offer deep insight into the water/wastewater ecosystem, revealing key dynamics, challenges, and strategies across different governance scales. Past implementations have occurred in cities like Ouagadougou, Kampala, and Phnom Penh, with future implementation planned for Nairobi.

Africa Utility Data Collaborative (AUDC), co-led by Athena and AFWASA
The Africa Utility Data Collaborative (AUDC) is a joint initiative by AFWASA and Athena Infonomics, designed to help African water utilities improve performance through better data use. It addresses common challenges such as fragmented data systems, weak data cultures, and limited analytics capacity. AUDC offers a modular suite of 30+ plug-and-play tools tailored to utility needs, covering applications like AI-based leak detection, geospatial analysis, and customer segmentation. Utilities can select tools based on their data maturity and priorities, allowing for flexible, scalable engagement. The presentation will showcase the AUDC model, highlight lessons from pilot utilities, and discuss building regional data capacity. It will also explore the role of Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs) and development partners in advancing sustainable digital ecosystems.

Together with utility representatives, this session will illustrate efforts from Asia, Africa, and Europe on how to translate data into strategy, leadership into action, and partnerships into systems change. This session is designed to surface both technical insights and institutional shifts through interactive dialogue and real-world experiences.