The session explores what it really takes to lead water sector reform in complex and high-pressure environments. Through four international reform cases — England & Wales, Brazil, Philippines and Malaysia — the session examines how governments, regulators and utilities navigate crises, institutional redesign, private participation and climate stress.

Rather than focusing on abstract frameworks or “best practices”, the webinar is structured around real-world leadership dilemmas, difficult trade-offs and decisions taken under political, financial and operational pressure. Speakers will reflect on what worked, what failed, and the lessons these experiences offer to governments, regulators and utilities facing growing demands for resilience, performance and accountability.

Following this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand key leadership dilemmas behind major water sector reforms;
• Analyse how governance and regulatory arrangements shape sector performance and resilience;
• Identify lessons from international reform experiences applicable to their own contexts;
• Better understand the role of leadership, sequencing and institutional capability in driving reform.

Speakers/Panelist

• Rita Amaral, LIS-Water, Executive Director, Portugal
• Gustavo Saltiel, LIS-Water, Strategic Advisor, Portugal
• Yogita Mumssen , World Bank Group, Practice Manager
• David Satti, WICS, CEO, UK
• Veronica Sanchez, ANA, Former Presidente, Brazil
• Perry Rivera , Manila Water Company, CEO & Presidente, Philippines
• Loga Veeraiah, SPAN Malaysia, Senior Executive, Malaysia
• Ximena Quiroz, LIS-Water, Regulatory Specialist
• Jaime Baptista, LIS-Water, Strategic Advisor