Climate change, urbanisation, and growing investments in flood protection are driving demand for hydraulic engineering expertise around the world. At the same time, new insights and innovative solutions to complex water challenges are emerging in many different countries. What does this mean for the Dutch hydraulic engineering sector? How can we maintain our international position while remaining open to knowledge, experiences, and perspectives from others? The Netherlands has built a strong international reputation in hydraulic engineering and water management. Yet being truly globally minded also means recognising that valuable knowledge, innovative solutions, and inspiring examples can be found across the world. It is this spirit of mutual learning and exchange that lies at the heart of Waterbouwdag 2026. 

Under the theme "Waterbouw Wereldwijs - Hydraulic Engineering in a Global Perspective", we will look beyond our borders on 29 October 2026. What opportunities do international markets offer the Dutch hydraulic engineering sector? What expertise and experience can we contribute? And equally important: what can we learn from developments elsewhere in the world? 

 ​International collaboration plays a vital role in this discussion. Projects abroad contribute to the development of knowledge, people, and equipment within the Dutch hydraulic engineering sector. At the same time, countries such as Singapore demonstrate that leading innovations in flood protection, climate adaptation, and coastal resilience are no longer developed in the Netherlands alone. Being globally minded therefore means not only sharing knowledge, but also embracing new perspectives and different ways of working.