As part of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment’s Capacity-Building Programme for Water Industry Professionals, the Global Trends Study Programme will provide participants with opportunities to explore leading international practices and the latest trends in the digital water industry.
The programme includes a visit to the Smart City Expo World Congress 2026 in Spain. Applications are now open as outlined below, and interested professionals are encouraged to apply.
1. Programme Overview
Programme Title: Digital Water Industry Talent Development Programme – Global Trends Study Programme
Programme Period: November 1 (Sun.)–6 (Fri.), 2026 (4 nights and 6 days)
Location: Spain, including a visit to the Smart City Expo World Congress 2026
Eligibility: Employees of water companies
Number of Participants: Up to 20
Programme Fee: Free of charge
2. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
Have completed at least one course totaling six or more hours under the 2026 Capacity-Building Programme for Water Industry Professionals since June 2026
※ Participating institutions: Korea Environment Corporation, K-water, Korea Water Technology Certification Institute, Korea Water Partnership, and the International Centre for Water Security and Sustainable Management under the auspices of UNESCOHave at least one year of relevant work experience at their current organization
Submit all required documents, including the application form and a letter of recommendation from the head of their company or organization
※ Previous participants in the Global Trends Study Programme are not eligible to apply.
3. Application Process
Application Period: September 7 (Mon.)–17 (Thu.), 2026
How to Apply: Apply for the Global Trends Study Programme through the K-water Academy website and upload all required documents, including the application form, to the programme’s online bulletin board.
Important: All required documents must be uploaded by the application deadline.
4. Selection Process
Participants will be selected through an evaluation conducted by a review committee that includes external experts.
Evaluation Criteria: Training completion records, relevant experience at the applicant’s current organization, study plan, letter of recommendation, and other relevant qualifications
The evaluation will include confirmation of the applicant’s eligibility and completion of courses under the 2025 Capacity-Building Programme for Water Industry Professionals between May 2025 and April 2026.
※ Certificates of completion must be submitted.Selection Results: Successful applicants will be notified individually on or around September 23, 2026.
5. Required Documents
Application form, including certificates of completion for the Capacity-Building Programme for Water Industry Professionals
Letter of recommendation from the head of the applicant’s company or organization
※ For government officials: division director or equivalent Grade 4 official; for public institutions: head of the applicant’s departmentParticipant declaration form
Consent form for the collection and use of personal information and its provision to third parties
Certificate of employment
6. Contact Information
Department: Public Official Water Education Department, K-water Academy
Telephone: +82-42-870-7253–4