The Klasszis Sustainability 2026 conference explored the regulatory challenges and business opportunities associated with sustainability.
This year’s event gave particular attention to water as a strategic resource. Alongside the economic consequences of climate change and water scarcity, the programme covered ESG regulation, corporate sustainability decisions, financing options and sustainable investment.
In the opening address, Dr Károly Kovács, founder of Pureco and President of the Hungarian Water Association (HWA), discussed the challenges facing municipal water management, ways to adapt and how regulation could support those changes. He also highlighted the importance of building skills and capacity and raising awareness.
Hungary needs a new course for water security
Dr Kovács stressed that growing water scarcity driven by climate change, increasingly uneven rainfall, threats to the availability and quality of water sources, and ageing infrastructure together call for changes across the entire water management system.
He pointed out that Hungary’s high water consumption is partly due to tariffs that give consumers little incentive to conserve water or make use of rainwater where it falls. Yet when water retained locally evaporates, it cools urban areas and can reduce the energy needed for cooling in summer. During heatwaves, collected rainwater can be used to water plants in place of drinking water. During heavy downpours, slowing runoff can reduce the risk of flash floods and pollution. At the same time, drinking water reserves need protection from depletion and contamination, while ageing networks need upgrades to reduce water losses and increase capacity where necessary.
Dr Kovács also called for regulatory and financial incentives to support local water retention. Options include offering discounts for retaining rainwater on site, updating local planning requirements and exploring sustainable ways to fund stormwater drainage.
Shared minimum principles for the future of water management in Hungary
A central part of the address was the presentation of eight shared minimum principles drawn up in October 2026 by seven leading Hungarian professional organisations, including HWA. The joint statement sets out a sound, long-term basis for improving water management in Hungary and encourages cooperation between stakeholders and policymakers.
The principles call for coordinated action to improve water security. Investments need to go hand in hand with technical cooperation, regulation, financing and public involvement.
The future of water is a shared concern
Other talks and panel discussions at the Klasszis Sustainability 2026 conference covered climate change, agriculture’s water needs, sustainability risks and the role of ESG considerations in corporate decision-making.
This conference was an opportunity to bring water management challenges to a wider audience of business leaders and decision-makers.
Pureco places great importance on professional collaboration, strong partnerships, and shared expertise and this conference acted as a fruitful platform. We believe that the complex challenges the water sector is facing can only be addressed through collective action, knowledge sharing, and long-term, sustainable solutions.
