The Conference will have four main elements:

1. The general framework, identifying the Water and Energy challenges as well as the commonalities and differences among the two sectors, the links and opportunities for collaboration.

2. The partnership experience, reviewing and analyzing selected partnership experience according to main partners and realms of cooperation:
a). Sectoral Ministries and actors for policy development and planning as well as in the development of major infrastructures;
b). Industries and governments/regulators for efficiency improvement in SMEs;
c). Science and industry for technology innovation;
d). Water and energy utilities for improving efficiency and management;
e). NGOs and local authorities for implementation of household efficiency programmes and for providing access to basic services of water and sanitation.

3. Lessons from partnerships and the way forward. The Conference will serve to draw some lessons on the basis of partnerships practice providing an overview of performance (criteria), conditions for success, key principles and achievements, missing links and further developments, values and processes. Expected lessons learnt will be related to: financing, process, relations, existing social and natural capital, among others. The Conference will also analyze the synergies and crosscutting aspects of the possible Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on water and energy.

4. Enabling partnerships. The Conference will serve to present and discuss specific practical experiences of successful partnership with practical outcomes on Water and Energy. An optional follow-up session will allow participants to work together on potential partnerships.