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

  1. This sub-theme explores how legal and governance frameworks can support climate-resilient water
     systems. Topics may include:
  2. 
     • 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-themes

  1) Water Law and Governance for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

  1. This sub-theme explores how legal and governance frameworks can support climate-resilient water
     systems. Topics may include:
  2. 
     • 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

• Congress Program

  Preliminary program

  23 June	24 June	25 June	26 June
  Morning	Workshop for Early Career Researchers	Opening Ceremony and Plenary Sessions Opening Ceremony Keynote: Christina Voigt Plenary Session: The Manifesto for the Freshwater Rule of Law Parallel Sessions: Special Session: Asian Perspectives on Transboundary Water Governance in an Era of Climate Risk Regular Sessions: TBA	Plenary Session: Plural Water Rights and Food Security of Disadvantaged Groups in the Context of Climate Change Deep Ecology and the Future of Water Governance Parallel Sessions: Special Session: How to Govern the Hydrological Cycle: Relevant Legal Frameworks and Emerging Issues Regular Sessions: TBA	Parallel Sessions: Special Session: Knowledge Bases and Impact Assessments as Enablers of Just and Sustainable Protection and Use of Water Regular Sessions: TBA Plenary Session: Competing Needs, Shared Resources: Rethinking the Water–Energy Nexus? Keynote: Susanne Schmeier
  Midday	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
  Afternoon	Workshop for Early Career Researchers	Parallel Sessions: Special Session: Indigenous Water Laws & Relationships Responding to Climate Change and Biodiversity Imperatives Regular Sessions: TBA Parallel Sessions: Special Session: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Water Policy Design	Keynote: Jay Famiglietti Parallel Sessions: Special Session: Strengthening Water Law through Collaborative Environmental Compliance Assurance Regular Sessions: TBA Parallel Sessions: Special Session: Sectoral Water Conflicts and Water Justice in South Asia – Multi-Scalar Aspects Regular Sessions: TBA	Optional Excursions and Activities: Guided Tour: Vigeland Sculpture Park Guided Walk: Climate Change in Oslo Municipality Hydropower in Norway – Meeting with the Norwegian Licensing Authority Oslofjord and Diffuse Pollution: Environmental Challenges – Meeting with the Norwegian Environment Agency
  Evening	AIDA Members Welcome Event	Congress Welcome Reception: Oslo City Hall	Congress Dinner Clarion Hotel Oslo

  You can find a more detailed program here. Please note that this is a preliminary version and may be subject to change.Please find a more detailed program

• 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 Law

  Dr. 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.

  Professor Jay Famiglietti

  

  Keynote by Professor Jay Famiglietti

  
  on global water issues from a scientific and policy perspective

  Jay Famiglietti is a hydrologist and Global Futures Professor at Arizona State University where he is Director of Science for the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative. He is President-Elect of the AGU Hydrology Section.  

  Before moving to ASU, Famiglietti was founding Chief Scientist of the Silicon Valley tech startup, Waterplan; he was Executive Director of the Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan; he was Senior Water Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory; he was appointed to the California State Water Boards; and he held faculty positions at UC Irvine and UT Austin.  

  His research group uses satellites to track how freshwater availability is changing around the globe. They pioneered the methods to detect groundwater depletion from space.  A fellow of the AGU and the GSA, and recipient of AGU's Peter S. Eagleson Hydrological Sciences Award, he is committed to science communication and multi-sectoral advising on water security.

  Professor Susanne Schmeier

  

  Keynote by Professor Susanne Schmeier

  
  Futuring water law: How to shape the futures of water law in a changing world?

  Dr. Susanne Schmeier is a Professor of Water Cooperation, Law and Diplomacy at IHE Delft – Institute for Water Education and Utrecht University in the Netherlands. She is also affiliated with Oregon State University and the Fletcher School at Tufts University.

  Her research focuses on legal and institutional mechanisms for managing conflict and fostering cooperation over shared natural resources and the environment, with a focus on freshwater resources.

  She also advises governments and international organizations on water conflict and cooperation (e.g., through being the International Waters expert on the Global Environment Facility (GEF)’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP)) and engages in water diplomacy, negotiations and dispute-resolution processes worldwide.

• 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: Professor Gabriel Eckstein (Texas A&M University School of Law)

  Participants:Stefano Burchi (International Assocation for Water Law), Dr. Jessica Troell (ELI), Zaki Shubber(World Bank), Water Lawyer 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.

  Deep Ecology and the Future of Water Governance

  Moderator: Professor Karen V. Lykke ( Centre for Global Sustainability, UIO)

  Participants: Professor Deborrah Curran (University of Victoria), Professor Jill Robbie (University of Glasgow), Professor Erik Gomez-Baggethun (NMBU) and Professor Gro Ween (University of Oslo)

  This panel explores the foundational principles of deep ecology, as articulated by Arne Næss, and examines their relevance for contemporary sustainability challenges. Hosted at the university where Næss founded the Centre for Development and Environment (SUM), now part of the Centre for Global Sustainability, the session will begin with an introduction to Næss's philosophy, the history of SUM/GLOBE, and the development of the Arne Næss Programme. Panelists will then engage in a dialogue on the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in environmental governance, with a particular focus on water law and resource management. The discussion will highlight the integration of Indigenous perspectives, emphasizing the concept of identity between human beings and nature as understood in Sámi and other Indigenous cultures.

  Competing Needs, Shared Resources: Rethinking the Water–Energy Nexus?

  Moderator: Dr. Götz Reichert (Centres for European Policy Network)

  Participants: Professor and Partner Henrik Bjørnebye (BAHR), Professor Melissa Scanlan (University of Wisconsin), Senior Researcher Birthe Marie Steensen (Centre for International Climate Research - Cicero), TBA

  This panel will address the competing demands on water and energy resources that arise during the green energy transition. The discussion will focus on how the increasing need for renewable energy, such as hydropower and bioenergy, can create tensions with other water uses, including agriculture, municipal supply, and ecosystem protection. At the same time, emerging technologies such as green hydrogen production introduce new dimensions to the water–energy nexus. Hydrogen production, while central to decarbonization strategies, may significantly increase demand for high-quality water resources and raise additional regulatory and allocation challenges.

  Panelists will examine legal, policy, and governance challenges in managing these conflicts, and consider the implications for climate resilience and sustainable development. The session will bring together diverse perspectives to highlight the difficulties of balancing competing interests and resource uses, and to discuss potential approaches for more effective and equitable management of the water–energy nexus.

• 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 31 March.

  Additionally, researchers are asked to indicate their preferred workshops in order of priority from the following options:

  1. - Developing networking skills
     1. - How to design thesis statements
     2. - How to apply for grants and fellowships
     3. - Career options for scholars

• 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.

  Formal Dinner at Clarion Hotel Oslo on the evening of Thursday, June 25. Join us for a three-course formal dinner at the elegant Clarion Hotel Oslo, located in the vibrant heart of Bjørvika. Guests can choose between a seafood or vegetarian menu. Wine (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) is included in the price. You are welcome to bring a partner to this event (separate registration).

  Clarion Hotel Oslo is perfectly situated 500 meters from Oslo Main Station in pulsing Bjørvika—a great spot to spend a summer evening. After dinner, take advantage of the hotel’s central location for a stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a drink at one of the nearby bars, or even take a swim at the public swimming areas in the city center. Did you know that at this time of year, the days are at their longest, with almost 19 hours of sunlight? There’s plenty of time to enjoy everything Oslo has to offer!