I am delighted and excited to write my first piece as President for all fellow members of IWA.
Born and raised in South Africa, I have been a member since I was a PhD student, some 26 years ago. At the time, membership for students was free and my first experience of IWA was through the journal Water Research, which is still the premier publication for water-related research globally.
My PhD mentor challenged me to publish my findings in this prestigious journal. After doing so successfully, and attending my first Biennial Conference to present a paper in Brighton, England, I was very impressed by the global expertise at the event and the willingness of members to help and share knowledge, technologies and best practices. Attending this event convinced me that IWA was the foremost global association for water professionals seeking excellence. Hence, I have been a loyal member ever since.
As I progressed towards establishing a centre of research excellence focused on water and wastewater at Durban University of Technology, my relationship with IWA grew – publications, conference presentations and attendance, both for myself and students of the centre. I also engaged with the South African and the Eastern and Southern African branches of IWA and served as chairperson of each.
After enjoyable years in academia, I was appointed General Manager at Rand Water, the largest water utility in Africa. During my 22 years there, I was fortunate to engage more with IWA, at the Governing Assembly (GA), Strategic Council, Board and as Vice President.
Over this time, it is my honour to have worked with every past President of our association.
These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my approach as I now step into that role myself.
As I look ahead, I note that IWA’s membership has been growing and changing. The countries with most members are China, followed by India. We have 68 Governing Members. Our membership of around 10,000 spans more than 140 countries.
Meanwhile, the recent Toronto World Water Congress & Exhibition was attended by 7000 people, with 2700 conference registrations and over 900 presenters in more than 200 sessions. It was remarkable to interact with so many enthusiastic members from across the world. The conference was a huge success and sincere thanks go to the Programme and Organising Committees for making Toronto memorable for all.
Also significant in Toronto was the adoption by the IWA GA of the text for a new revised five-year IWA strategic plan, details of which will be shared soon. This exciting strategy coincides with my term as President and I am eagerly looking forward to working with all Members, stakeholders, Board, GA, Strategic Council, YWPs, management and staff as we navigate to our next level of impact.
The GA also elected Dr Rose Kaggwa from Uganda and Dr Mohmad Asari from Malaysia as Senior Vice President and Vice President, respectively. Congratulations to both, and I look forward to working with them.
The meeting also had the highest ever number of vice presidential candidates – five in total. This level of interest is unprecedented and demonstrates strong enthusiasm from top calibre members to volunteer their services. Thank you for your interest and commitment; I know that you will continue to make our association better.
In addition, the GA endorsed appointment of four new Board Members. Each brings relevant world class expertise: Prof Blanca Jimenez from Mexico, Jabulile Mashwama from Eswatini, William Fernandes from Canada, and Dr Doulaye Kone from the US. Welcome! I look forward to working with you and all the Board members.
We have an exciting journey ahead, especially executing our new strategy. I am hugely grateful to be able to serve at this time. •
Hamanth Kasan, President, IWA
