AWWA celebrates two years with the UN Global Compact

The United Nations Global Compact is the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative, and last month, AWWA confirmed its ongoing support for its goals.

“As the world’s largest organization of water professionals, AWWA believes access to safe and sustainable drinking water is fundamental to public health, environmental protection and economic stability,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “Through our global engagement and partnerships, we are committed to strengthening water systems and supporting communities around the world as they work toward a more resilient and sustainable future.”

Since 2024, AWWA has supported the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact primarily by:

• Promoting and organizing industry- and sector-specific events for members to exchange knowledge and enhance learning.
• Providing expertise and facilitating industry-wide partnerships on key UN goals and issues.
• Supporting the development and activities of the UN Global Compact network.

The 10 principles encompass human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.

Although AWWA’s membership is primarily in North America, it maintains strong relationships with international partners in Japan, India, Korea, and other countries to support the exchange of practical knowledge on such topics as treatment technology, system management, and climate resilience.

AWWA also partners with ROCKBlue (in the global south) and the World Bank (across the globe) on utility management training and resource development.

“Our international work is critical for facilitating relationships and knowledge-sharing across oceans,” said Rebecca Wheeler, senior manager of international programs. “The challenges one country faces, another may have a solution for — and vice versa. We are stronger in our efforts to provide safe, clean drinking water when we work together.”

Late last year, for example, a delegation of AWWA leaders got the opportunity to tour a water treatment plant run almost entirely by AI in South Korea. The Hwaseong water plant first started using the technology in 2022 to run major treatment processes, from controlling inlet valves and chemical dosing to managing filtration and energy use.

“It was eye-opening for many of us to see the implementation there,” Wheeler said. Members of the AWWA delegation brought home ideas and opportunities to foster similar initiatives in North America.

AWWA facilitates international visits like these each year, usually alongside established gatherings like Korea International Water Week and the Water System Seismic Conference. AWWA also invites international perspectives at its Annual Conference and Exhibition each year. In 2024 and 2025, more than 720 guests came from outside North America.

Sustainability runs through other initiatives at AWWA, including Water 2050, which provides a long-term framework for a resilient, innovative water sector — aligning with many of the Sustainable Development Goals of the compact. Last year, AWWA also earned a platinum distinction with the Events Industry Council, which recognizes its sustainability in event execution.