GEF to Convene 11th Biennial International Waters Conference (IWC11) in Bali, Indonesia
BALI, INDONESIA — The Global Environment Facility (GEF), in partnership with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), is proud to announce that the 11th Biennial International Waters Conference (IWC11) will be held in Bali, Indonesia, on 19-22 October 2026.
As the GEF’s flagship global event for the International Waters (IW) focal area, IWC11 will bring together over 350 stakeholders from 70 countries, including senior government officials, GEF project managers, leading environmental experts, and strategic partners. The conference serves as the premier platform for advancing transboundary water cooperation and strengthening the governance of the world’s shared oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater systems.
Organized within the framework of the GEF IW:LEARN project and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the conference is a vital learning and coordination hub. It offers a unique space to showcase the impact of global investments in marine and freshwater ecosystems and to catalyze joint action on pressing issues such as plastic pollution, climate resilience, and sustainable fisheries.
Why Indonesia?
The selection of Indonesia as the host nation highlights the country’s leadership in marine sustainability and its proactive role in managing shared water systems.
Conference Objectives:
Facilitating the sharing of "Experience Notes" and results from GEF-supported projects worldwide.
Advancing discussions on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus and Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) management.
Engaging with Indonesia’s local environmental successes through specialized site visits.
Convening leaders to solidify the Host Country Agreement (HCA) and regional legal frameworks.
IWC11 follows the success of IWC10 (held in Punta del Este, Uruguay), continuing a decade-long tradition of fostering innovation in the management of the planet's most critical shared resources.
About GEF IW:LEARN
GEF IW:LEARN is the Global Environment Facility's International Waters Learning and Resource Network. It exists to strengthen transboundary water management by facilitating portfolio-wide learning and knowledge sharing among GEF projects, partners, and the wider water community.
For more information on the conference and to follow updates, visit t