Panel discussion at WEX Global 2026 in Seville, held from 9 to 11 Feb, bringing together international experts to discuss water, energy and climate resilience (Image: Xylem Vue)
Seville hosted WEX Global from 9 to 11 Feb 2026, bringing together more than 270 participants from over 45 countries to discuss water, energy and climate change.
The 20th edition of the forum included 25 sessions featuring more than 90 speakers. Topics covered sustainable water management, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the water cycle, public–private partnership models, circular economy and energy transition. Pedro Pina, senior director Europe at Xylem Vue, said the event provides a space for discussions focused on building systems that meet public expectations.
Technical visits were organised to the Aljarafesa wastewater treatment plant, the Lower Guadalquivir Valley irrigation community and EMASESA, Seville’s municipal water utility. Participants reviewed the utility’s digital transformation programme, which includes a centralised data lake and a digital twin platform. Manuel Romero, chief executive officer at EMASESA, said digital transformation is “a lever for change in the service of water justice”, referring to resilience, efficiency and trust.
Several speakers emphasised that digitalisation requires organisational and governance frameworks. Dr Alaeldin Idris, water expert at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE, said that without technology “time and money are lost”, while noting the importance of governance in water management. Darío Mauriño, head of innovation, funding and cooperation at EMASESA, stated that technology must be adopted within a strategy that engages the entire team. Román Ponz, director of digital transformation at Global Omnium, said effective digitalisation involves “breaking down information silos”.
The programme also included a gala dinner on 10 Feb, during which the WEX Global Awards were presented, recognising initiatives in circular economy, climate resilience, digital transformation and river basin management.
