Cities & Water

Road to Bari

The Cities & Water initiative builds on the Water & Cities Workshop held in Madrid on 28 May 2026, where city leaders, utilities, researchers, institutions and partners discussed a shared agenda for resilient, circular and intelligent urban water systems.

The Madrid meeting confirmed that water is becoming a central pillar of urban resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable development. It highlighted the importance of integrated urban water management, nature-based solutions, sponge-city approaches, water reuse, digital innovation and stronger governance frameworks.

Propose a City Special Session Propose a City Panel Workshop

Participants at the Water and Cities Workshop in Madrid — Water & Cities Workshop, Madrid, 28 May 2026.

Invitation letter

Invitation to city leaders

Draft letter prepared for individual invitations to cities, following the Water & Cities Workshop in Madrid and the Road to Bari initiative.

Open invitation PDF

COMITATO ORGANIZZATORE 42° IAHR WORLD CONGRESS - 2027

Via Monsignor Jolando Nuzzi n.10 - 70129, BARI
C.F. 93551050722

Bari, [date] 2026

Invitation to the 42nd IAHR World Congress

Bari, Italy | 28 June - 2 July 2027

Dear Mayor,
Dear City Leader,

Following the successful Water & Cities Workshop held in Madrid on 28 May 2026, we would like to sincerely thank you for your valuable contribution to the discussions and for the commitment demonstrated towards building more resilient, sustainable and liveable cities.

The Madrid meeting confirmed a shared vision among cities, utilities, researchers and institutions: water must become a central pillar of urban resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable development. The discussions highlighted the importance of integrated urban water management, nature-based solutions, sponge-city approaches, water reuse, digital innovation and stronger governance frameworks to address the challenges of climate change, droughts, flooding and resource scarcity.

The Road to Bari initiative was conceived precisely to bring together cities willing to lead this transition and to create a platform for exchanging experiences, showcasing successful practices and building strategic partnerships.

It is therefore our great pleasure to invite your city to participate in the 42nd IAHR World Congress, which will take place in Bari, Italy, from 28 June to 2 July 2027 with the partnership of Autorita Idrica Pugliese and Acquedotto Pugliese.

Under the theme: "Driving Change Management in the Era of Digital Water and Global Transitions". The Congress will gather leading city representatives, utilities, policymakers, researchers, international organisations and industry leaders from across the world to discuss the future of water and cities.

Building on the outcomes of Madrid, Bari 2027 will offer a dedicated opportunity for cities to continue the dialogue initiated through the Road to Bari programme and to contribute to an international agenda on urban water resilience. Attention will be devoted to city leadership, nature-based solutions, sponge-city strategies, climate adaptation, digital transformation and innovative governance models.

We would be honoured to welcome your City among the protagonists of this global event and to continue together the journey started in Madrid.

The accompanying photographs from the Opening and Morning City Sessions remind us that the strength of this initiative lies in the collective commitment of cities working together towards a more resilient water future.

We look forward to meeting you in Bari.

Workshop outcomes

A platform for urban water leadership

Participants recognised that cities are facing a systemic urban transition in which water resilience, circular economy, public health, digital transformation, energy neutrality and climate adaptation must be addressed together.

From fragmented projects to city-scale strategies

Water resilience should connect urban planning, climate adaptation, infrastructure investment, public health, environmental protection and long-term liveability.

Nature-based and sponge-city approaches

Green-blue infrastructure, sustainable drainage and catchment-scale interventions can reduce flood risk while improving public spaces and biodiversity.

Digital tools for informed decisions

Real-time data, predictive models, digital twins and decision-support systems can help manage droughts, floods, water quality and infrastructure performance.

Governance and shared implementation

Municipalities, utilities, researchers, technology providers and communities need clearer roles, stronger coordination and shared planning frameworks.

Towards Bari 2027

Building a common agenda for action

Bari 2027 will offer a dedicated opportunity for cities to continue the dialogue initiated in Madrid and contribute to an international agenda on urban water resilience. The programme will give visibility to city leadership, nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, digital transformation, water reuse and innovative governance models.