Harnessing artificial intelligence and big data to enhance climate resilience in integrated water resources management in Eastern & Southern Africa

The 27^th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium will be a hybrid event to be held in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania at the Mount Meru Hotel and online, from the 28^th - 30^st October - 2026 under the theme, Harnessing artificial intelligence and big data to enhance climate resilience in integrated water resources management in Eastern & Southern Africa.

The Symposia have been held annually in the Eastern and Southern African regions for the past 26 years to promote interaction among policymakers, academics, practitioners from water and related sectors, and cooperating partners. Together, they identify regional issues, gaps and priorities that require further research and support. Great emphasis is placed on integration of knowledge, particularly involving scholars from the natural and social sciences. 

The sub-themes of the symposium have been aligned to the themes of the SADC Water Research Agenda under the Regional Strategic Action Plan on Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Phase V, whose main objective is:

• Promoting evidence-based implementation of SADC water programmes and projects through multi- and inter-disciplinary research, and synthesis of existing and new information, which will lead to a realisation of SADC developmental goals.

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