World Cement Association Annual Conference 2026 in Bangkok

02 Mar 2026 CW Team

The World Cement Association (WCA) will host its 2026 Annual Conference from 19–21 April 2026 at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The two-day programme will convene global cement industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and stakeholders to examine strategic, operational and sustainability challenges shaping the sector's next phase of transformation. The conference theme of shaping a sustainable future through digitisation, innovation and performance will frame sessions and networking opportunities across the event.\n\nThe programme will open with a comprehensive assessment of the global economic environment and its impact on cement markets, alongside regional outlooks across Asia and Europe. Speakers will address regulatory developments including carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) in Europe, progress in China’s carbon trading system and market dynamics in Thailand and South East Asia, and will outline practical decarbonisation pathways such as alternative fuels, next-generation supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and calcined clay developments. Sessions will also examine AI-enabled kiln optimisation and other digital approaches to improve plant performance.\n\nDay two will focus on overcapacity challenges and industry restructuring, using case studies and regional perspectives to provide delegates with practical insights into unlocking performance while accelerating decarbonisation. Discussions will explore digital maturity and AI-driven plant operations, manufacturing optimisation, sustainable building solutions and circular concrete models, together with evolving customer requirements across the construction value chain. The event will include the WCA Awards Ceremony at the Awards Gala Dinner on 20 April to recognise excellence in sustainability, innovation, safety and leadership.\n\nPhilippe Richart, chief executive officer of the WCA, said the sector was navigating a period of profound transformation, from managing overcapacity and market volatility to deploying AI and delivering measurable decarbonisation, and that the Annual Conference would bring global leaders together to exchange practical solutions and strengthen collaboration. Registration is open and tickets include admission to the two-day event, all sessions, refreshments and lunch, exhibition access and the Awards Gala Dinner. Further information on the programme is available via the WCA Annual Conference 2026 event page and queries on sponsorship or exhibition may be directed to events@worldcementassociation.org.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..