Theme & Program
AIDA World Water Law Congress 2026
Water Law and Governance in Times of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss
Our freshwater and coastal ecosystems are under significant pressure from climate change and biodiversity loss. Climate change is altering the functioning of freshwater and coastal ecosystems and their biodiversity, as well as water availability. At the same time, various sectors, such as renewable energy, agriculture, urbanization, and industrial activities, continue exerting additional pressure on freshwater and coastal ecosystems through pollution and habitat destruction, causing biodiversity degradation and less resilient ecosystems.
Addressing these challenges requires a coherent and integrative approach in water law and governance. The AIDA Congress aims to shed light on existing barriers and opportunities for coherent and integrated freshwater and coastal management, and invites participants to explore technical, social, financial, institutional and regulatory innovations to overcome identified barriers, enabling the transformative transition to a future-proof system of water law and governance.
The Aida Congress conference brings together leading experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for sustainable water management.
Join us for the first AIDA Congress for an insightful and impactful global conference addressing the critical issues of water law and governance amidst the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.
Thematic framework
We invite participants to explore how key mechanisms, including legal, regulatory, governance,
economic, fiscal, institutional, compliance, technological, dispute resolution, and other mechanisms, can
be developed, integrated and implemented to create sustainable, long-term solutions for water
management in a rapidly changing world, and to enable a transformative change to a sustainable future.
These mechanisms can be discussed using practical examples, national and international court decisions,
case studies, and other narratives.Sub-themes
1) Water Law and Governance for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
- This sub-theme explores how legal and governance frameworks can support climate-resilient water
systems. Topics may include:
• Legal and governance mechanisms for climate adaptation and mitigation in water management
• Integration of water law into climate policies and international agreements
• Nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation
• Managing the water+ nexuses (e.g., water-energy, water-agriculture, etc.) under climate stress
• Climate justice and equitable access to water in a changing climate
• Legal and governance mechanisms related to smart water management and climate-resilient
infrastructure
2) Water Rights, Obligations, and Justice
- This sub-theme focuses on the legal and policy dimensions of water access, use, and governance,
especially under conditions of climate variability and ecological degradation. Topics may include:
• Human rights and access to water and sanitation
• Urban to rural water tenure
• Rights-based approaches to river and wetlands management
• Legal obligations of states to manage water under climate uncertainty
• Access to justice in water-related disputes
• Indigenous knowledge and community-based governance
• Equity for marginalized and rural communities
• Citizen science and public participation in water decision-making
• The role of civil society
3) Balancing Changing Hydrologic Conditions, Water Usage, and Biodiversity
Conservation- This sub-theme investigates how water law and governance can reconcile water use with biodiversity
protection. Topics may include:
• Legal frameworks for water-related ecosystem protection and restoration
• Integrated watershed and coastal zone management
• Bridging land-water governance divides
• Bridging freshwater-marine water governance divides
• Conservation-compatible water allocation and use
• Sectoral approaches (e.g., regenerative farming, restorative aquaculture, community-based
fisheries)
• Synergies and tensions between climate and biodiversity laws and policies and the impact on
water resources management
We invite participants to explore how key mechanisms, including legal, regulatory, governance,
economic, fiscal, institutional, compliance, technological, dispute resolution, and other mechanisms, can
be developed, integrated and implemented to create sustainable, long-term solutions for water
management in a rapidly changing world, and to enable a transformative change to a sustainable future.
These mechanisms can be discussed using practical examples, national and international court decisions,
case studies, and other narratives.
Sub-themes1) Water Law and Governance for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
- This sub-theme explores how legal and governance frameworks can support climate-resilient water
systems. Topics may include:
• Legal and governance mechanisms for climate adaptation and mitigation in water management
• Integration of water law into climate policies and international agreements
• Nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation
• Managing the water+ nexuses (e.g., water-energy, water-agriculture, etc.) under climate stress
• Climate justice and equitable access to water in a changing climate
• Legal and governance mechanisms related to smart water management and climate-resilient
infrastructure
2) Water Rights, Obligations, and Justice
- This sub-theme focuses on the legal and policy dimensions of water access, use, and governance,
especially under conditions of climate variability and ecological degradation. Topics may include:
• Human rights and access to water and sanitation
• Urban to rural water tenure
• Rights-based approaches to river and wetlands management
• Legal obligations of states to manage water under climate uncertainty
• Access to justice in water-related disputes
• Indigenous knowledge and community-based governance
• Equity for marginalized and rural communities
• Citizen science and public participation in water decision-making
• The role of civil society
3) Balancing Changing Hydrologic Conditions, Water Usage, and Biodiversity
Conservation- This sub-theme investigates how water law and governance can reconcile water use with biodiversity
protection. Topics may include:
• Legal frameworks for water-related ecosystem protection and restoration
• Integrated watershed and coastal zone management
• Bridging land-water governance divides
• Bridging freshwater-marine water governance divides
• Conservation-compatible water allocation and use
• Sectoral approaches (e.g., regenerative farming, restorative aquaculture, community-based
fisheries)
• Synergies and tensions between climate and biodiversity laws and policies and the impact on
water resources management
- This sub-theme explores how legal and governance frameworks can support climate-resilient water
Congress Program
Preliminary program
23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June Morning Graduate Student Program Opening Ceremony and Plenary Sessions Plenary Sessions Parallel and Plenary Sessions Midday Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Afternoon Graduate Student Program Parallel Session Parallel Session Optional Excursions and Meetings Evening AIDA Members Welcome Event Congress Welcome Reception:
Oslo City HallCongress Dinner Keynote Speakers
Speaker information will be shared here as it becomes available.
Professor Christina Voigt
Keynote by Professor Christina Voigt
Water at the Heart of Global Environmental Challenges: The Role and Limits of LawDr. Christina Voigt is Professor of Law at the University of Oslo, Norway, and a renowned expert in international environmental law. She is passionate about legal issues of climate change, environmental multilateralism, and sustainability. Professor Voigt has published widely on these topics and is a frequent speaker at international and national events.
Professor Voigt is Chair of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL).
For more than 10 years, she also worked as legal adviser and negotiator for the Government of Norway in the UN climate negotiations. She was the first Co-chair of the Paris Agreement´s Compliance and Implementation Committee (2020-2024) and is currently a member of the Committee.
Plenary Panels
Further information will be shared here as it becomes available.
Plural water rights and food security of disadvantaged groups in the context of climate change
Convenor: Professor Anne Hellum, University of Oslo
Participants: Mr. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo (Special rapporteur on the Human Rights to Water) Dr. Barbara van Koppen (IWMI), Dr. Patricia Kameri- Mbote (UNEP), Dr. Jessica Troell (ELI)
Commentator: Professor Bill Derman, NMBU
Climate change has dramatic consequences for water and food security and for livelihoods more generally. Under growing scarcity and competition for water the community-based water governance and management systems, that small-scale water users in the Global South rely on for domestic uses and food production, are losing out in competition with large scale users. Food and health security, provided by rural and indigenous women who constitute the majority of the world’s smallholder and subsistence farmers, is under threat.
This panel addresses recent attempts to turn this trend, with focus on the close relationship between the right to water, food, health and environment in human rights discourse, the FAO-led global water tenure dialogue, and national laws and policies. How these initiatives may ensure that the customary water norms and institutions, that constitute the key elements in the realization of food and health security and poverty reduction are respected and protected, is discussed. In the context of climate change: What are the states’ duties to promote and protect vulnerable groups’ rights to water, health, food and environment? What are the positive measures that should be taken to guarantee the availability and accessibility of those rights, especially during times of scarcity? How to ensure that climate change mitigation and adaptation programs in sectors such as agricultural production and clean energy are balanced against rural small-scale farmers’ and pastoralists’ land and water rights? How can a human rights approach to water be strengthened to respond to the growing uncertainties of floods and droughts? What kind of national legislation is needed to ensure water security for small scale users who rely on customary water norms in times of increasing scarcity and competition?
The Manifesto for the freshwater rule of law
Moderator: Prof. Christina Voigt (University of Oslo)
Participants: Stefano Burchi (International Assocation for Water Law), Jessica Troell (ELI), Zaki Shubber(World Bank), Robyn Stein (Stein & Buchler Consultants)
The Manifesto for the freshwater rule of law is a response to several persistent issues that are central to effective domestic freshwater governance. Its purpose is to call attention and inspire action by national policy- and lawmakers to focus on domestic legislation as a key pillar of achieving the Freshwater Rule of Law and to give it effect, in particular, through legislation governing the equitable and sustainable management of freshwater resources. Law, coupled with strong institutions, is essential for societies to respond to freshwater pressures and crucial for the international community to address the more pressing water challenges of our time. The Manifesto is focused on addressing these challenges through a suite of core “principles”, guiding countries to analyze and diagnose where the Freshwater Rule of Law can be improved to foster more equitable and sustainable water resources governance, in line with human rights and the SDGs.
This panel will highlight the importance of integrated and harmonized domestic legislation for the sustainable and equitable management and governance of the Planet’s dwindling freshwater resources in the face of multiple stressors and challenges, and it will showcase the role of the Manifesto for the freshwater rule of law in response to such challenges, and for the inspiration of countries around the world.
Excursions and Extended Programs
As part of the AIDA conference, participants are invited to join one of four guided excursions and extended programs on the afternoon of June 26th. Each track offers a unique opportunity to explore key environmental and sustainability topics in the Oslo region.
Please note that the number of places for each excursion and program may be limited. Registration will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so early sign-up is recommended to secure your preferred option. Additional details regarding the meeting locations, schedule, and logistics will be provided closer to the date.
As part of the AIDA conference, participants are invited to join one of four guided excursions and extended programs on the afternoon of June 26th. Each track offers a unique opportunity to explore key environmental and sustainability topics in the Oslo region.
Please note that the number of places for each excursion and program may be limited. Registration will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so early sign-up is recommended to secure your preferred option. Additional details regarding the meeting locations, schedule, and logistics will be provided closer to the date.
1. Hydropower in Norway – Meet the Norwegian Licensing Authority
Hydropower has been the backbone of Norway’s electricity system for over a century, accounting for more than 90% of the country’s energy production. Experts from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) will share insights into the Norwegian power system, hydropower licensing, compliance monitoring, and the management of challenges related to climate change and biodiversity.
Venue: University of Oslo
2. Climate Change in Oslo Municipality – Guided Walk
Join a guided walk to learn how the City of Oslo is addressing climate change through urban water planning, green–blue infrastructure, and innovative nature-based solutions. This excursion highlights key urban environmental initiatives and local adaptation strategies. Total walking distance: ca. 3 km.
Max participants: 50
Venue: Oslo City
3. Oslofjord and Diffuse Pollution – Environmental Challenges
Despite efforts to reduce nitrogen emissions from agriculture and wastewater, the Oslofjord faces ongoing ecological challenges. Experts from the Norwegian Environment Agency will discuss the causes of these issues and outline measures aimed at restoring the fjord’s health.
Venue: The Norwegian Environment Agency
4. Vigeland Sculpture Park – Guided Tour
Explore the Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist and one of Norway’s most renowned cultural attractions. This guided tour provides artistic and historical insights into this iconic landmark.
Venue: The Vigeland Park
Research Workshop for Early-Career Researchers
Tuesday 23 June: Research Workshop for Early-Career Researchers
The experts of AIDA, the University of Oslo, the Geneva Water Hub and its Platform for International Water Law, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and the Norwegian Institute of Water Research have joined forces to support research in the fields of water law, policy and hydro-diplomacy. The Researchers Workshop will be chaired by Dr. Mara Tignino from the Faculty of Law and the Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva. Dr. Tignino also serves as Scientific Director at the Geneva Water Hub.
In this spirit, a dedicated Research Workshop will be held ahead of the inaugural AIDA World Water Law Congress.
We invite Master’s and other graduate students, PhD candidates and Postdoc researchers to submit their research hypothesis/questions and methodological approaches to the Scientific Committee of the Research Workshop.
Research Workshop Highlights
The Research Workshop is tailored to address the needs of early-career researchers and aims to support creative approaches for the development of legal, regulatory, institutional, governance and policy solutions to some of the most pressing water challenges. Participants in the Research Workshop will receive the following benefits: 1) inputs on their research hypothesis/questions and methodology; 2) practice arguments and counterarguments to a research hypothesis; 3) delve into different methodological approaches; 4) be part of an inter-disciplinary research community.
By the end of the workshop, researchers will improve their skills in communicating their research hypothesis/questions and methodology to a broad audience composed of peers and senior researchers specialized in law, policy and hydro-diplomacy. Researchers will be able to expand and consolidate their network, which will help in the development of future publications at the intersection of law, policy and hydro-diplomacy.
Preliminary Program of the Research Workshop for Early Career Researchers
Time Activity 09:00 Welcome Address 09:15 Getting to Know Each Other 10:30 Coffee Break 11:00 Group Sessions 12:30 Lunch 13:30 How to Publish Your Research? 15:00 Coffee Break 15:30 Parallel Sessions 17:00 Coffee Break 18:00 Registration for the AIDA Congress (at the University of Oslo) & Informal Get-Together 18:00 Closed AIDA Meeting (at the University of Oslo) & Social Event (location TBA) (both events are for AIDA members) Venue:
The Research Workshop will be held at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Ås, Norway, just south of Oslo. Founded in 1859, NMBU is renowned for its commitment to sustainability-focused research and education, embracing an interdisciplinary approach across environmental, life, and social sciences. The picturesque campus offers a unique setting for academic exchange, blending historic charm with modern facilities and a dedication to addressing global challenges in land use and resource management.
Travel time from Oslo Central Train Station to NMBU Ås is approximately 35 minutes. Information will be provided in due time.
Submission Guidelines
Participants are invited to submit a chapter from their master’s or PhD thesis (4,000–6,000 words) outlining their research hypothesis and methodological approaches. Submission platform is AIDA WWLC 2026 - ConfTool - opens up 15 January. The submission deadline is 28 February.
Additionally, researchers are asked to indicate their preferred workshops in order of priority from the following options:
- - Developing networking skills
- - How to design thesis statements
- - How to apply for grants and fellowships
- - Career options for scholars
- - Developing networking skills
Reception and Congress Dinner
We are pleased to inform that the Municipality of Oslo has invited all Congress attendees to a welcome reception at Oslo City Hall on the evening of Wednesday, 24 June. Located in central Oslo, City Hall is an iconic building known for its distinctive architecture and interior murals depicting Norwegian history, culture, and industry. It is also the venue for the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
The Congress Dinner will take place on the evening of Thursday, June 25. Further details will be provided in due course.
