WEFTEC 2026, organized by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), based in the United States, from September 26-30 September 2026, in New Orleans, USA, is one of the world’s leading international conference and exhibition events in the water and wastewater sector, bringing together more than 20,000 participants and over 1,000 technology companies each year.
As part of the event, a high-level roundtable titled “Bringing Global Water Innovation with Regional Action guided by the One Water - One Health Approach” was held on 28 September 2026, under the coordination of SUEN, with the participation of senior representatives from international organizations and companies.
The meeting addressed opportunities for cooperation in scientific research and capacity development in the field of water and wastewater management, as well as the exchange of technical knowledge and innovative approaches among Türkiye, the United States, and international water sector stakeholders. In addition, potential areas of cooperation in joint research, knowledge and experience sharing and strengthening regional capacity were discussed. The meeting provided a high-level platform for dialogue and cooperation aimed at strengthening relations between Türkiye, the United States, and leaders of the international water sector.
At the meeting, which opened with remarks by SUEN President Prof. Dr. Lütfi Akca, Deputy Director General of the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) Dinçer Aydoğan delivered a presentation titled “Türkiye’s water priorities, implmentation experienceand future needs”, SUEN Scientific Advisor Prof. Dr. Bilge Kocamemi presented on “One Water - One Health Approach”; SUEN Project Development and Implementation Coordinator Mustafa Salih Sarıkaya addressed “Building skills and regional capacity for the future of water”; and Head of the International Organizations Department at the GD for EU and Foreign Relations Dr. Tolgahan Bahtiyar delivered a presentation on “Türkiye-US Regional Cooperation Opportunities.”
In the subsequent sessions, the main themes of “Innovation, Science, Digitalization & Implementation,” “Workforce, Knowledge and Capacity Building” and “International Cooperation, Partnerships and Regional Outreach” were discussed. In this context, participants exchanged views on common priorities for the future of the water sector, regional cooperation opportunities, technology implementation and capacity development approaches, while sharing their assessments and recommendations.
Bringing together senior representatives from the water sector, the meeting provided an important platform for dialogue on connecting innovative technologies and scientific knowledge with regional needs, strengthening international cooperation, and developing collaborative solutions to future water challenges.
