Asia Netherlands Water Learning Week
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) will host the Asia–Netherlands Water Learning Week (ANWLW) in the Netherlands from 20 to 24 April 2026. The ANWLW is a week-long intensive programme that will bring together six project teams from across ADB’s developing member countries with water experts from the Netherlands.
ANWLW is a long-standing collaborative initiative between ADB and NWP, designed to foster innovation and strengthen collaboration in effective water management. For over a decade, both organisations have jointly delivered this intensive, week-long programme, bringing together project teams from across Asia and the Pacific alongside Dutch water experts.
Theme 2026: Healthy Rivers
The 2026 edition will focus on Healthy Rivers, addressing key challenges related to the sustainability and resilience of river systems—particularly in the context of climate change, economic pressures and demographic developments.
This year’s learning week will welcome six project teams from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal and Thailand. Participants will include government representatives, ADB country office staff and colleagues from ADB Headquarters.
Through close collaboration with experts from the Dutch water sector, participants will exchange knowledge and gain insights into:
- Integrated river management strategies
- River basin planning
- Nature-based solutions
- Catchment restoration
A strong emphasis will be placed on tailoring these approaches to the specific contexts of ADB’s Developing Member Countries (DMCs).
Goals for 2026
ANWLW 2026 aims to:
- Strengthen participants’ capacity to design and implement integrated healthy rivers projects
- Build practical skills in systems thinking, cross-sector coordination and innovation
- Enhance confidence in translating global knowledge into ADB-ready project solutions
Networking reception: 23 April 2026 from 16:30-19:00
The programme includes lectures, interactive sessions, field visits and networking opportunities. A key highlight is the networking reception, offering an informal setting for meaningful exchange.
During the reception, project teams will present their projects at dedicated tables, allowing Dutch experts to engage directly with country representatives and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Date: Thursday 23 April 2026
Time: 16:30 – 19:00
Venue: KIVI, Prinsessegracht 23, 2514 AP The Hague (to be confirmed)
Registration: Please confirm your attendance by 10 April via this registration form
Attendance is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
A maximum of two participants per organisation applies.
About the ADB Asia Netherlands Water Learning Week
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a multilateral development bank committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Asia and the Pacific. It supports its member countries by financing and advising on projects that address key challenges, including:
- Climate change
- Water management
- Digitalisation
- Food security
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture
ADB works closely with governments, knowledge institutions and the private sector. Each year, it invests billions of dollars in development projects, with international expertise playing a vital role.
Opportunities for Dutch organisations
Collaboration with ADB offers valuable opportunities for Dutch companies and organisations. The bank places a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability and climate-resilient solutions—areas in which the Netherlands has a strong international reputation.
The Asia–Netherlands Water Learning Week facilitates knowledge exchange and fosters international partnerships on themes that are highly relevant to ADB’s member countries.
For more information about the participating teams and their focus areas, please contact Mirjam van Buchem or Arjan Braamskamp.
Previous Asia Netherlands Water Learning Weeks
