A Key Strategic Partnership Agreement Signed at Singapore International Water Week Strengthens International Collaboration on Desalination, Water Reuse, and Sustainable Water Management

Singapore – The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) and the Singapore Water Association (SWA) today announced the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement at Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), marking a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration to address global water security challenges.

The agreement brings together two leading organizations committed to advancing innovation, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and sustainable solutions across the global water sector. Through this partnership, IDRA and SWA will work together to accelerate the deployment of desalination, water reuse, membrane technologies, and integrated water resource management practices worldwide.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to deepening cooperation between the global and Asian water communities at a time when water scarcity, climate change, population growth, and economic development are placing unprecedented pressure on water systems.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on technical conferences, training programs, workshops, publications, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and strategic dialogues designed to advance practical and scalable solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges.

“This partnership is about turning shared ambition into coordinated action,” said Shannon McCarthy, Secretary General of IDRA. “By connecting SWA’s strong regional ecosystem with IDRA’s global network of utilities, governments, and industry experts, we are creating a powerful platform to accelerate innovation, scale proven technologies, and drive real impact in water security worldwide.”

Marcus Lim, Executive Council Member of the Singapore Water Association, added: “Singapore has long demonstrated how integrated water management, innovation, and strong partnerships can transform water challenges into opportunities. This strategic collaboration with IDRA strengthens our ability to connect local expertise with global leadership, and to collectively advance solutions in desalination, reuse, and next-generation water technologies.”

The partnership also provides a framework for enhanced industry engagement, enabling members from both organizations to access broader networks of utilities, policymakers, technology providers, researchers, and investors working at the forefront of water innovation.

“The scale and urgency of global water challenges require stronger international collaboration,” McCarthy added. “This partnership reflects a shared determination to accelerate solutions that are not only innovative, but deployable at scale.”

The signing ceremony took place during Singapore International Water Week 2026, one of the world’s premier platforms for water leaders, policymakers, utilities, investors, and technology innovators to exchange ideas and forge partnerships that advance global water sustainability.

About IDRA

The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) is the global voice of the desalination and water reuse industry, connecting governments, utilities, researchers, technology leaders, and industry stakeholders to advance sustainable water solutions worldwide. IDRA holds UN ECOSOC and UNFCCC status and is a member of the UN Water Family and UN FAO WASAG partner.

About SWA

The Singapore Water Association (SWA) is the leading industry association representing Singapore’s water sector. SWA brings together utilities, technology providers, researchers, consultants, and service companies to advance innovation, capability development, and international collaboration in support of sustainable water management.

Media Contact:
Communications@idrawater.org
International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA)