Members of the 8th World Water Forum International Steering Committee (ISC) met for the first time in Brasilia on 2 and 3 May to discuss general orientations for the organization of the 8th World Water Forum to be held in Brazil in 2018. The meeting was opened by Rodrigo Rollemberg, Governor of the Federal District of Brasila and President Benedito Braga, co-chairs of the ISC, who both emphasized the need to regard the World Water Forum as an ongoing change process, rather than a triennial event. During discussions, members evoked the legacy of the 8th World Water Forum, which will be hosted in the Southern hemisphere for the first time. They also explored what shape the 8th World Water Forum’s new Sustainability process might take to support the achievement of lasting improvements in water resources management, especially in view of the newly confirmed Sustainable Development Goals and a UNFCCC Climate Agreement. The meeting offered the opportunity to delve more deeply into the mechanics behind each of the processes that will contribute to the Forum’s preparation, while designing pathways for them to work closely together. Members were encouraged to seize new opportunities for greater innovation while building on what has been accomplished previously. The Committee also discussed the plan for the 8th World Water Forum Kick-off meeting, which will be held on 27-28 June in Brasilia.