Celebrate World Water Day 2026 with the Water Institute at a dynamic full-day conference exploring some of today’s most pressing water challenges. Taking place on Friday, March 20 at the Student Life Centre, the event will feature an inspiring keynote by Katie Meehan, Professor of Environmental Justice at King's College London, who will present new research on inequality and the growing issue of water poverty in wealthy nations.
The conference will also include a student research showcase, award presentations, and a panel discussion on Water Equity and Shared Responsibility: Intersectional Perspectives from Research and Practice. We are especially proud to highlight members of our lab who will be contributing their expertise to this important conversation, including Susan Elliott, Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management and University Research Chair in Medical Geography at the University of Waterloo; Abraham Nunbogu, WASH Researcher at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health; and Alexa Bennett, PhD Candidate in Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo. Their work highlights the critical intersections between water access, health, and social equity.
The day will conclude with closing remarks and awards, followed by an optional evening social hosted by the Society of the Water Institute Graduate Students, offering an opportunity to network and continue the conversation.
This free, in-person event is open to all University of Waterloo students and community members. Registration is required and space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to bring a reusable mug to help support the university’s sustainability initiatives.
Join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration as we work toward more equitable and sustainable water futures.