PWWA charts strategic direction for resilient Pacific water services
PWWA has shared the emerging direction of its 2027–2031 Strategy, setting out how the Association plans to strengthen its support for Pacific utilities in an increasingly complex operating environment.
10/8/20262 min read
PWWA has shared the emerging direction of its 2027–2031 Strategy, setting out how the Association plans to strengthen its support for Pacific utilities in an increasingly complex operating environment.
PWWA Chief Executive Officer Pitolau Lusia Sefo-Leau presented the strategic direction during the PWWC26 Impact Summit in Papeete, Tahiti, where utility leaders and development partners came together to discuss strengthening partnerships for Pacific water security.
The Strategy is being developed around the goal of strengthening resilient, sustainable water services across the Pacific by uniting as one regional community.
Its development has included input from the PWWA Secretariat and Board, stakeholder surveys, regional workshops with utility members and further consultation to test priorities and identify where the Association can provide the greatest value to its members.
Responding to a changing environment
The Strategy recognises that Pacific utilities are operating in an increasingly difficult environment.
Climate change and natural disasters are intensifying pressures on infrastructure and workforces, while funding is becoming more constrained. In response, PWWA is seeking to evolve from primarily reactive support towards a stronger role in regional coordination, influence and resilient service delivery.
The emerging strategic direction focuses on helping utilities serve their communities, influence investment and respond to climate and disaster risks. It also positions PWWA as a stronger regional voice and connector for the Pacific water and wastewater sector.
Seven areas form the framework for the Strategy: financial sustainability; regional voice and influence; workforce and sector capability; networks and partnerships; climate-resilient water services; operational sustainability; and data insights.
Financial sustainability has been identified as a particularly important priority, with PWWA seeking to diversify revenue, strengthen partnerships and explore new financing mechanisms to support reliable long-term services to members.
Partnership supporting PWWA's development
PWWA also acknowledges the support of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, through its Embassy in Wellington, which has provided three grants to PWWA.
This support has contributed to work strengthening PWWA's strategic planning and communications capability, helping the Association improve how it positions, communicates and delivers value for its members across the Pacific.
The partnership reflects the important role development partners can play not only in supporting infrastructure, but also in strengthening the regional institutions, systems and capabilities that help utilities work together and advocate for the needs of the Pacific water sector.
PWWA sincerely acknowledges the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its continued support.
From strategy to action
The 2027–2031 Strategy remains under development, with consultation and stakeholder review forming part of the process before final approval. PWWA's intention is to move from strategic direction to shared ownership and action, with the final Strategy expected to be approved by the end of 2026.
As PWWA looks towards the next five years, the focus remains clear: bringing the regional water community together to strengthen utilities, build capability and secure more resilient water services for Pacific communities.
