The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) and the Singapore Water Association (SWA) have announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement during the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW), marking an important step in strengthening international collaboration to address global water security challenges.

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

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening 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 resources and infrastructure.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will collaborate on technical conferences, training programmes, workshops, publications, knowledge-sharing initiatives and strategic dialogues aimed at advancing practical and scalable solutions to some of 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 deliver meaningful improvements in water security worldwide.”

Marcus Lim, executive council member of SWA, 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, water reuse and next-generation water technologies.”

The partnership also provides a framework for enhanced industry engagement, enabling members of both organisations to access wider 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 also deployable at scale.”

The signing ceremony took place during SIWW 2026, one of the world’s leading platforms for water leaders, policymakers, utilities, investors and technology innovators to exchange ideas and establish partnerships that support global water sustainability.