Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA has been selected to host the 2028 International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) World Basin Summit in Windhoek, a decision that recognises the country’s global leadership in sustainable water management and positions it at the centre of international discussions on water security and climate resilience.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform welcomed the announcement, which was made at the conclusion of the 2026 INBO World Basin Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
According to the ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, the selection is a major milestone for Namibia and reflects growing international recognition of the country’s achievements in sustainable water resources management, climate adaptation and innovative water solutions.
The ministry said hosting the summit also highlights Africa’s expanding role in shaping global policy on water governance and water security.
Established in 1994, the International Network of Basin Organizations is a global public-interest network that promotes Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) across river basins, lakes and transboundary aquifers. The organisation comprises 192 member institutions from 88 countries, including governments, research institutions and river basin authorities.
Held every two years, the INBO World Basin Summit is regarded as one of the world’s leading forums on water governance, bringing together ministers, policymakers, scientists, development partners, financial institutions, civil society organisations and technical experts to address emerging global water challenges.
The summit focuses on issues including integrated water resources management, transboundary water cooperation, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, water security and hydrodiplomacy.
The ministry said hosting the 2028 summit will provide Namibia with an opportunity to showcase its internationally recognised expertise in potable water reclamation, integrated water resources management and adapting to water scarcity in one of the world’s driest countries.
It noted that the event will further strengthen Namibia’s position as a global leader in sustainable water management, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
The ministry also highlighted that the achievement builds on Namibia’s role as host of the Global Water Partnership Organisation Secretariat, saying the alignment of the two international platforms would enhance regional cooperation while promoting tourism, investment, scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The ministry said it would work closely with the INBO Secretariat, government institutions, regional river basin organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to ensure the successful hosting of the summit.
In its own statement, INBO said nearly 400 delegates from 48 countries attended the 2026 summit in Brazil, where participants agreed that increasing climate change impacts require stronger international cooperation and the sharing of practical solutions to improve water security.
The organisation said Windhoek was chosen because of its pioneering role in water innovation. It noted that Namibia’s capital, located in one of southern Africa’s driest countries where only about one per cent of rainfall infiltrates the ground, has been recycling wastewater into drinking water since 1968.
INBO said Windhoek was the first city in the world to operate a large-scale direct potable water reuse plant, making it an ideal venue to demonstrate innovation and adaptation in addressing water scarcity and climate change.
The organisation added that hosting the summit in Africa would further strengthen cooperation between river basin organisations, promote innovation and support practical solutions to global water challenges.
PICTURED: Ministry of Agriculture’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda. Photo: File
