Described as a historical event, the 15th Congress was more than a historical event for many reasons, including the record participation, the great qualitative leap in the organization of the session, the strong involvement of international organizations, the AfWA-ESAR/IWA merger, the signing of an Agreement with AMCOW, etc. One is tempted to say that nothing will be the same as before, going by the great event of the Kampala meeting, which coincided with the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Association. It was a nice opportunity to pay homage to the founding members and to remain faithful to the initial ambition to re s o l u t e l y contribute to the development of the potable water supply and sanitation sectors on the continent.

The shining success of the Kampala Congress is the outcome of positive synergies. The great African water family, therefore, wishes to express their sincerest thanks to all those who responded to our appeal: AfWA members, p o l i c y -ma k e r s , operators, donors, researchers, NGOs, etc. Their participation was of quality and highly appreciated. Our special thanks go to the Ugandan authorities led by His Excellency, President Yoweri MUSEVENI, who graced the occasion by personally presiding over the opening ceremony, and also to the NWSC, whose Managing Director, William Muhairwe, and his staff took all necessary measures to ensure that our Congress was held under very favourable conditions.

The bar has been raised so high that our responsibility is still greater in the face of the present and future challenges. However, as Nelson MANDELA, whose perseverance should inspire us, put it: “it is on arriving at the top of a great mountain that you realize that there are several others to climb”.

When we think about our populations, we are motivated to overcome all obstacles to ensure that from Ouagadougou to Djibuti, from Kampala to Casablanca, they enjoy long life in dignity thanks to potable water and sanitation.