IWA Podcast

🎧 New on the IWA Youth Voices Podcast: The Circle of Water

How can we inspire the next generation of water leaders before they even reach university?

Natalie Paez and Laurence Stribbe share how the Circle of Water initiative is helping young people aged 8–15 explore water literacy, systems thinking, and sustainability through locally grounded learning experiences around the world.

Listen now and discover why making water visible and valued starts with education, curiosity, and conversation. 💧

#IWA #YouthVoices #WaterEducation #YoungWaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

In this episode of IWA Youth Voices, Natasha Mumba is joined by Thiago Martins, an MSCA doctoral researcher exploring circular approaches to wastewater and sludge management.

Thiago shares his journey of pursuing a PhD abroad, navigating international research environments, and working between academia and industry. He reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned along the way — from building global networks to turning research into real-world impact.

The conversation also dives into how circular thinking can transform wastewater systems, and why taking risks, staying curious, and choosing meaningful work are key to shaping a successful research career.

In this episode of IWA Youth Voices, we bring you reflections from Dakar, Senegal, following the High-Level Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Water Conference 2026. Host, Natasha Mumba, is joined by youth leader Hadi Toure to unpack the purpose and key outcomes of this milestone moment, including the six interactive dialogues shaping the Conference’s agenda.

The conversation explores how youth voices were represented in global discussions, the emerging priorities and challenges identified by leaders, and what this means for the future of water governance. Looking ahead to 2026, Hadi shares practical insights on how young water professionals can engage, contribute, and play a meaningful role in driving impact.

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director of Water Global Practice at The World Bank Group, discusses the vital role of financing, technology, and governance in achieving global water security. He emphasises the importance of the IWA Congress as a platform for connecting with water professionals worldwide and sharing best practices in water management, non-revenue water reduction, and technology adoption.

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, EriKa Yarrow Soden, content editor of IWA’s magazine The Source, engages in a compelling conversation with Henk Ovink, Executive Director of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water.

They discuss the critical challenges facing our water future, emphasising the importance of inclusive partnerships that bring marginalized voices to the table.

Henk reflects on the vital role of water in driving equity, climate resilience, and biodiversity, and how events like the IWA Congress foster collaboration and innovative solutions across sectors.

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast, Erica Yarrow Soden, content editor of The Source Magazine, interviews Anise Sacranie, Water Access Director at Gunfros.

Anise discusses her role in the Safe Water unit and explores the challenges of public-private partnerships in the water sector, particularly in the global South.

In this episode, we sit down with Austin Alexander, Vice President of Sustainability & Social Impact at Xylem, the principal sponsor of the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition.

Austin shares insights into her role at Xylem and their long-standing partnership with IWA. We also explore the exciting discussions at the event and the value of Xylem's exhibition presence.

In this episode of the podcast series, Sangeeta Chopra, Director of Innovation, Process Optimisation, and Technical Services at the Ontario Clean Water Agency, Canada discusses the agency's work in water management.

She also shares her excitement about connecting with global water industry experts during the Congress and exploring new ideas to enhance the agency's initiatives.

Sangeeta's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangeetachopra/

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, host Erica Yarrow Soden, content editor of The Source, interviews Rasha Maal-Bared, Principal Environmental Scientist at CDM Smith, Canada.

Rasha shares insights from her 18-year career in water and wastewater treatment, discussing the complexities of emerging contaminants, the significance of wastewater-based epidemiology, and the challenges of sustainability in the sector.

She also reflects on her first Congress experience, highlighting the diversity of perspectives and the importance of addressing equity issues in water sanitation and hygiene across North America.

Rasha Maal Bared's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmaal-bared/

In this episode of the podcast series catches up with Rosemary Campbell, Head of Water at Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP).

Rosemary shares insights into WSUP’s impactful work across Africa and South Asia, focusing on extending water and sanitation services to underserved communities.

Discover how WSUP is transforming utilities, managing sanitation projects, and engaging in vital hygiene education.

Rosemary's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemary-campbell-1192401/