Asia-Pacific Water Forum

What Asia-Pacific Water Forum does

The Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF) is an independent, not-for-profit network organization founded in 2006 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, where the Japan Water Forum has served as permanent Secretariat since launch. APWF's stated objective is to raise the priority of water security issues on the Asia-Pacific development agenda by building capacity, enhancing regional cooperation, and boosting investment in water infrastructure among governments, UN agencies, multilateral banks, research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. The organization operates across five sub-regions — Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, and Oceania and the Pacific Islands — and serves as the recognized coordinator of the Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the triennial World Water Forum.

APWF's core outputs are convening platforms and knowledge products rather than technology. Primary offerings include the Asia-Pacific Water Summit series (Japan 2007, Thailand 2013, Myanmar 2017, Kumamoto 2022), Asia Focus Sessions at Stockholm World Water Week (coordinated with the Stockholm International Water Institute under an MOU signed in 2018), APWF webinars featuring expert speakers, and publications such as the Asia-Pacific Regional Process Synthesis Report and thematic policy documents. APWF does not sell products or services, does not operate a software platform, and does not deploy AI/ML systems of its own; AI surfaces only as a discussion topic in sessions convened by partner organizations such as Korea Water Forum.

The business model is grant-and-in-kind funded network coordination rather than commercial revenue generation. Japan Water Forum supplies operational backbone via its Secretariat role; partners including ADB, UNESCO, WMO, SIWI, ICIMOD, IWMI, IUCN Asia, AWC (K-Water), and the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation provide co-financing, expertise, and co-convening capacity. Governance is provided by an APWF Governing Council currently chaired by Changhua Wu with Shahbaz Khan (UNESCO Regional Director for East Asia) serving as Vice Governing Chair; prior leadership included the late Mark Pascoe (Chair until August 2022) and Ravi Narayanan (Chair during the 7th World Water Forum in 2015). No private equity, venture capital, or public market ownership is indicated.

Name

Asia-Pacific Water Forum

Legal name

Asia-Pacific Water Forum

Website

https://apwf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF) is an independent not-for-profit network organization, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Tokyo under the Japan Water Forum Secretariat, that convenes governments, UN agencies, multilateral banks, researchers, and NGOs across Asia-Pacific to raise the priority of water security, coordinate the World Water Forum Regional Process, and host Asia-Pacific Water Summits and Stockholm World Water Week sessions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Security Coordination & Policy Advocacy

NAICS

Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411), International Affairs (928120), National Security and International Affairs (928)

SIC

Water Supply (4941), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources, WASH & Integrated Water Management (BPADALAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Supply & Wastewater Utilities Administration (BPAIACAG), Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI)

Keywords

• Water security coordination
• Regional water cooperation
• Water policy advocacy
• Water sector convening
• Capacity building programs

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF) is an independent not-for-profit network organization that raises the priority of water security on the Asia-Pacific development agenda. Its core offerings are convening events — Asia-Pacific Water Summits, Stockholm World Water Week Asia Focus Sessions, World Water Forum Regional Process sessions, and webinars — alongside knowledge products such as synthesis reports, thematic reports, and policy publications, delivered in collaboration with governments, UN agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.

Product overview

The Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF) is an independent, not-for-profit network organization that serves as a convening platform rather than a technology product company. Its core offerings consist of international events (Asia-Pacific Water Summits, World Water Forum Regional Process sessions, SWWW Asia Focus Sessions, and APWF Webinars), and knowledge products (publications and reports). The Japan Water Forum maintains the role of APWF Secretariat. The organization does not offer software products, APIs, or AI-powered technology solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Asia-Pacific Water Summit Series Periodic high-level convenings bringing together heads of state, ministers, and water stakeholders to address water security in Asia-Pacific, with past editions held in Japan (2007), Thailand (2013), Myanmar (2017), and Kumamoto, Japan (2022).
• Stockholm World Water Week (SWWW) Asia Focus Sessions Regional focus sessions coordinated with SIWI during Stockholm World Water Week, showcasing innovative actions and partnerships addressing Asia-Pacific water challenges.
• World Water Forum Asia-Pacific Regional Process Coordination of the Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the World Water Forum, organizing sub-regional sessions across five sub-regions: Northeast, Southeast, South Asia, Central Asia & the Caucasus, and Oceania & the Pacific Islands.
• APWF Webinar Series

Quantifiable outcome

• APWF organized 4 Asia-Pacific Focus Sessions at Stockholm World Water Week 2025, addressing decarbonizing water infrastructure, early warnings, WEFE nexus, and Hindu Kush Himalaya resilience
• +2 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• UN ESCAPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023UN ESCAP collaborates with APWF on science diplomacy for glacier preservation and regional cooperation. ESCAP leads the glacier preservation resolution and coordinates regional perspectives for UN Water Conference.
• Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018APWF has a memorandum of understanding with SIWI to collaborate on Asia Focus Sessions at Stockholm World Water Week. APWF serves as overall coordinator of Asia Focus Sessions, with SIWI hosting the annual conference.
• Japan Water Forum (Secretariat)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapan Water Forum has maintained the role of Secretariat of APWF since its launch. It provides administrative and operational support to APWF, including coordinating events, managing communications, and supporting the Governing Council.
• Asia Water Council (AWC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWC (Secretariat: K-Water) co-coordinates the Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the 10th World Water Forum with APWF. Both organizations signed a Letter of Intent with World Water Council and Indonesian government.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADB collaborates with APWF on multiple initiatives including the Asia and Pacific Water and Urban Development Forum, session co-convening at Stockholm World Water Week, and co-coordination of the Asia-Pacific Regional Process.
• International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICIMOD co-convenes APWF sessions on Hindu Kush Himalaya water resilience and glacier preservation. ICIMOD serves as a regional science and knowledge platform serving eight member countries supporting major HKH rivers.
• Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADPC co-convenes APWF sessions on early warning systems and disaster risk reduction in Asia-Pacific. ADPC contributes expertise in climate services and community-based early warning systems.
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIWMI co-convenes APWF sessions on early warning systems, WEFE nexus, and water management. IWMI contributes research on integrated water management, flood insurance, and drought monitoring across South Asia.
• IUCN AsiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIUCN Asia co-convenes APWF sessions on nature-based solutions and biodiversity in water management. Contributes expertise on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) for hydropower sustainability.
• Northern Water Network (NoWNET)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNoWNET is a collaborative platform linking European and Asian water partners. APWF/Japan Water Forum serves as NoWNET Secretariat, coordinating sessions on EU Water Resilience Strategy and cross-sector partnerships.
• Water EuropemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater Europe is a multi-stakeholder platform established by the European Commission for water research and innovation. NoWNET collaborates with Water Europe on EU Water Resilience Strategy alignment.
• Danish Water Forum (DWF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDWF is a NoWNET member partner organization. Denmark contributes perspectives on water resilience, climate adaptation, and cross-organizational collaboration in water management.
• French Water Partnership (FWP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFWP is a NoWNET member partner organization. France contributes expertise in water governance, nature-based solutions, and Source-to-Sea management approaches.
• Korea Water Forum (KWF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKWF is a NoWNET member and APWF regional partner. Korea contributes integrated water management approaches, digitalization, AI-based flood management, and experiences in water sector modernization.
• Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNWP is a NoWNET member partner organization. The Netherlands contributes expertise in nature-based solutions, Building with Nature approaches, and cross-country learning on water resilience.
• UNESCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNESCO collaborates through its Regional Office for East Asia and the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP). UNESCO contributes open science frameworks, eco-hydrology demonstration sites, and science-policy expertise.
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJAXA co-convenes APWF sessions on early warning systems. JAXA contributes satellite-based tools including GSMaP precipitation mapping and Today's Earth hydrological simulation system for early warning.
• Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGIB co-convenes APWF sessions on WEFE nexus and nature-based solutions. GIB has developed a framework for bankable NbS projects co-developed with European Investment Bank, WWF, and The Nature Conservancy.
• FAOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFAO contributes to APWF sessions on food-water nexus and sustainable agriculture. FAO's Land and Water Division provides expertise on integrated water management and water cooperation.
• Korea Environment Institute (KEI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKEI co-convenes APWF sessions on early warning systems. Korea contributes integrated water management expertise and shares progress on Water Data Hub and AI-based flood management.
• Global Water Institute, UNSW AustraliamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Water Institute at University of New South Wales co-convenes APWF sessions on decarbonizing water infrastructure, contributing Australian expertise in climate-resilient water systems.
• Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) AsiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEI Asia co-convenes APWF sessions and contributes expertise in climate policy, governance, and water data systems for impact-based forecasting in Asia-Pacific.
• Australia Water PartnershipmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWP co-convenes APWF sessions on early warning systems. AWP implements the Pacific Early Warning Systems Project strengthening flash flood warning in Pacific Island countries.
• WMOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWMO contributes to APWF sessions on early warning systems through the EW4All initiative. WMO reports on global progress in multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk reduction.
• Clean Air FundmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClean Air Fund co-organized the IYGP side event on science diplomacy for glacier preservation. CAF contributes expertise on black carbon as an accelerator of glacier melt and integrated air quality-cryosphere agenda.
• Portuguese Water Partnership (PWP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPWP is a NoWNET member partner organization. Portugal contributes perspectives on EU Water Resilience Strategy implementation and water sector competitiveness.

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• UN-Water: UN-Water coordinates UN agencies on freshwater and sanitation, including SDG 6. It is a broader intergovernmental counterpart to APWF and engages many of the same partners (UNESCO, WMO, FAO) on global water governance.
• International Water Association (IWA): IWA is a larger global network connecting water professionals, utilities, and researchers. It overlaps with APWF on convening water expertise and knowledge exchange but operates at a more technical/utility-oriented level rather than political-diplomatic convening.

Direct peers

• Global Water Partnership (GWP): GWP is a global network organization promoting integrated water resources management across regions, including dedicated GWP South Asia and Central Asia arms. Like APWF, it operates as a multi-stakeholder convener focused on water security, IWRM, and climate resilience.
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI): IWMI is a CGIAR research institute that co-convenes APWF sessions on early warning, WEFE nexus, and water management. Both target Asia-Pacific water security, work with the same governments and donors, and operate across the science-policy interface.
• International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD): ICIMOD is a regional intergovernmental knowledge center serving eight HKH member countries. It co-convenes APWF sessions on Hindu Kush Himalaya resilience and glacier preservation, sharing the same regional water-security mandate and convening role.
• Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI): SIWI hosts Stockholm World Water Week and has an MOU with APWF to co-organize Asia Focus Sessions. Both convene expert-driven water sessions linking science, policy, and finance, and collaborate annually on regional programming.
• Korea Water Forum (KWF): KWF is a NoWNET member and APWF regional partner sharing Korea's integrated water management expertise. Both serve as national-level water convening organizations with regional Asia-Pacific reach and digital water/digitalization agendas.
• World Water Council: The World Water Council organizes the triennial World Water Forum, for which APWF coordinates the Asia-Pacific Regional Process. Both serve as multi-stakeholder convening platforms for global water policy and have a formal co-coordination agreement via the 10th World Water Forum in Bali.
• Asia Water Council (AWC): AWC is APWF's co-coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the 10th World Water Forum. Both serve as Asia-Pacific water convening bodies engaging governments, industry, and academia, with overlapping mandates on regional cooperation and investment mobilization.
• Japan Water Forum: Japan Water Forum is APWF's permanent Secretariat and operational backbone. Both are headquartered in Tokyo, share leadership, and convene Japanese-led water cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region — making JWF APWF's closest operational analog.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/asia-pacific-water-forum-821896094571257

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Asia-Pacific Water Forum