Created in 1996, the World Water Council is the founder and co-organizer of the World Water Forum and catalyzes collective action during and in between each Forum.

The World Water Forum is the world's largest event on water. It has been organized every three years since 1997 by the World Water Council, in partnership with a host country. The 9th Forum will be the first of its kind to be hosted in sub-Saharan Africa.
By bringing together participants from all levels and areas, including politics, multilateral institutions, academia, civil society and the private sector, among others, the World Water Forum provides a unique platform where the international water community and key decision makers can collaborate and make long-term progress on global water challenges.

Over the years, the number of people participating in the Forum has grown from a few hundred to tens of thousands, from both the international community and host countries.