World Rivers Forum (WRF) is a global platform, formed under the aegis of the International Institute of River Affairs (IIRA), dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable governance of river systems as lifelines of ecosystems, economies, and civilizations. It brings together policymakers, scientists, financial institutions, technologists, and community leaders to advance river-centric solutions for climate resilience, water security, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive development. The Forum promotes evidence-based policy, innovative financing, and nature-based solutions, with a strong focus on transboundary cooperation and the challenges of the Global South.
I 10-14 April,2026 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
First WRF Meet 2026
“Welcome you all for the Sustainable River Strategies.”
WRF’26 convenes global leaders from policy, industry, science and civil society to assess and refine strategies for river governance and management. The meet will be held at the International Conference of Sustainable River Management of IIRA held on 10 – 14 April, 2026 at the Malaysia and will facilitate the exchange of knowledge across regions and stakeholders, exploring how successful approaches can be adapted or scaled globally.
Promote Integrated River Basin Governance Approach at local, national, and transboundary levels & foster global cooperation to address challenges and their sustainable solutions
Our Vision
WRF considers rivers as living natural infrastructure at the heart of climate resilience, ecological sustainability, and inclusive economic growth worldwide.
IAddressing Key Issues
WRF I Focused Ares
Rivers & Climate Change Adaptation
Riverine Livelihood & Sustainability
Biodiversity & Nature-Based Solutions
Transboundary Rivers & Water Diplomacy
Blue Economy & River Financing
Innovation & Integrated Management
IHow We Strive for Impact
WRF I Platform Approach
Policy Dialogues & Knowledge Exchange
Public–Private–Multilateral Partnerships
Action Platforms & Pilot Projects
IJoin the Movement
WRF I Country Representatives
Dr. Biswajit Roy Chowdhury
Founder Chairperson, SAIARD Group & Global President - WRF, India
Md. Monir Hossain
Chairman, Bangladesh River Foundation, Bangladesh
Prof. Prasanthi Narangoda
University of Kelaniya, Colombo & Director, NCAS, Govt of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
Dr. Anitha K. Sharma
Sector Counsellor on Urban Development, Denmark
Prof. Shiao Shing Chen
Prof., National Taipei University Of Technology, Taiwan