LONDON. England: The International Water Association (IWA) has invited representatives from Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, to be directly involved in the organisation of the 2026 World Water Congress and Exhibition (WWCE) in Glasgow, Scotland.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said the participation was seen as a practical training platform that would provide first-hand experience in terms of technical implementation and compliance with international standards.
“This is an important form of exposure. We are not just learning in theory, but through direct involvement we gain an understanding of procedures, protocols, and how to address real challenges that may arise,” he said.
Earlier, Julaihi with the Sarawak delegation held an engagement session with the organising committee of WWCE 2026 in preparation for Sarawak to host the World Water Congress and Exhibition (WWCE) 2028.
During the same discussions, Julaihi and the Sarawak delegation also shared about the state’s logistical potential, including infrastructure, facilities, transport systems, and available workforce capacity to support the hosting of a global-scale event.
The strategic meeting was held immediately after the official closing of the Water Horizon Conference 2025, focusing on the sharing of experiences, planning strategies, logistical requirements, and technical management for the world-class event organised by IWA.
Julaihi also said the discussions provided Sarawak with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the processes of hosting such a prestigious global event, enabling meticulous planning for the 2028 edition to be held in Kuching.
“We took this opportunity to have in-depth discussions with the committee currently preparing for WWCE 2026 in Glasgow.
“Through this session, we obtained very useful early insights in terms of strategy, logistical needs, and the challenges that may arise,” he said.
He stressed that this early exposure was vital to ensure Sarawak is fully prepared, not only as host but also as a key contributor to global goals in water resource management and sustainable development.
