The first annual IDRA-SWA Global Regulators Summit will be held at the IDRA World Congress 2026 in Riyadh, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in water and elevating the critical role of regulation in securing the future of water resources.

Under the theme “Regulation for Resilience: Strengthening Global Water Security Through Governance, Innovation, and Regional Cooperation,” the session will convene water regulators from across the GCC, broader MENA region, the United States, Latin America (Chile, Brazil, and Peru), Australia, Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia), Africa, and Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, and Portugal). The summit will provide a platform to exchange insights on policy development, legislative frameworks, and sector oversight.

Participants will share cross-regional experiences and best practices across key areas including desalination, water reuse (including Direct Potable Reuse), groundwater protection, economic regulation, tariff structures, distribution networks, and regulatory innovation. The forum will further examine governance models that enhance water security and resilience, with a focus on affordability, sustainability, innovation, and strengthening public trust.