Event: International Water Association (IWA) – Road to Glasgow: One Year To Go Event

Date: October 2025

Location: Hybrid (UK-hosted event with international participation)

Role: Keynote Speaker

Type of CPD: International collaboration / innovation leadership / environmental performance

Duration: Half‑day event (keynote + panel engagement + stakeholder discussions)

Summary of the Event

I delivered a keynote address at the IWA “Road to Glasgow – One Year To Go” Event, marking the final year of preparation for the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow in 2026. The event brought together global water leaders, utilities, researchers, policymakers, technology innovators and IWA specialist groups to explore the major themes that will shape the Congress and the future of the global water sector.

The programme focused on climate resilience, digital transformation, environmental performance, innovation scaling, and the role of global collaboration in accelerating progress toward sustainable, nature‑positive water management.

My keynote centred on the importance of real‑time biological monitoring, high‑resolution environmental data, and digital optimisation in delivering improved operational resilience, regulatory compliance and ecological outcomes.

My Contribution – Keynote Speaker

• Delivered a keynote presentation on the role of real‑time biological monitoring and microbial activity sensing in strengthening treatment stability, early‑warning capability and environmental protection.
• Highlighted how integrating biological, chemical and physical datasets into digital optimisation platforms supports predictive operations and transparent reporting.
• Provided insight into global regulatory and environmental trends, including the rising demand for evidence‑based environmental performance.
• Discussed the importance of innovation adoption, capability building and cross‑sector collaboration in delivering climate‑resilient water systems.
• Engaged in panel discussions with international delegates on the future of digital water, environmental intelligence and global knowledge exchange.
• Supported IWA’s mission to convene global expertise ahead of the 2026 Congress in Glasgow.

Key Themes Covered

Road to Glasgow 2026

Climate resilience and adaptation Extreme weather, drought, flooding, infrastructure vulnerability and long‑term planning.

Digital transformation and AI‑enabled optimisation Digital twins, automation, predictive analytics and integrated data ecosystems.

Environmental performance and river health Pollution reduction, transparency, compliance and ecological outcomes.

Advanced sensing and real‑time monitoring Biological, chemical and physical sensors for operational and environmental intelligence.

Innovation adoption and global collaboration Pilots, capability building, regulatory alignment and cross‑border partnerships.