This outcome note captures the highlights of the 2026 GWOPA Assembly, held on 17 May 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the 13th World Urban Forum, the first time the Assembly featured within the official WUF programme. Convening members and partners at a pivotal moment for the Alliance, the Assembly took stock of 17 years of work to strengthen utility capacities, reflected on the achievements of the 2019-2025 Strategy, and shaped strategic orientations for 2026-2029 in alignment with the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan.
The 2nd Global Water Operators' Partnerships (GWOPA) Assembly take place on Sunday, 17 May 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Assembly is an important moment for GWOPA members and partners to come together, align efforts and help shape the path towards the 2026 UN Water Conference – accelerating momentum to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Date: Sunday, 17 May
Time: 14:00-17:00 Baku time (GMT+4)
In-person and online via Zoom Events
Ahead of the Assembly in Cairo, GWOPA marked a significant milestone in its governance. For the first time since its establishment, the Alliance organized an electronic election campaign to renew the Steering Committee and elect the Chair of the Assembly. This successful process brought together key institutional members who join forces to a renewed and empowered Steering Committee.