On 11 June, the High-Level Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and 60 years of UNESCO Water Sciences opened in Paris, France. Representatives from key UN agencies, over ten ministerial-level delegations, international organization leaders, UNESCO Water Family members, and leading global water scientists were in attendance.
The opening segment featured speeches by UNESCO Director-General Ms. Audrey Azoulay and Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, emphasizing UNESCO IHP’s pivotal role in tackling water-related global issues and reaffirming its significance as the UN’s premier intergovernmental water science initiative. A ministerial segment titled “Water Science: for Life, Prosperity, and Peace” further showcased member states’ water strategies and IHP’s contributions.
During the partners’ statements, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi, WMO Deputy Secretary?General Ko Barrett, UN DESA Deputy Secretary?General, IAEA Director?General Rafael Mariano Grossi, and UN-Water Chair and President of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) álvaro Lario, among others, shared perspectives on current water challenges and future collaboration.
The International Research and Training Centre on Erosion and Sedimentation (IRTCES), which is hosted by IWHR, received a UNESCO IHP Long-Term Service Award during the high-level celebration, marking its distinction as UNESCO’s first Category 2 Centre.
The International Sediment Initiative (ISI) undertaken by the IRTCES and various others research outcomes produced by the center were included in the IHP’s 50-year special publication “Water is Life”, which was unveiled during the event.
At the high-level panel discussion on “The Future of Water”, Professor Philippe Gourbesville, President of IAHR (International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research) and IWHR Distinguished Professor was invited to speak.
The IHP serves as the UN’s primary instrument for addressing today’s pressing water challenges. The year 2025 marks both the 50th anniversary of IHP and 60-year commitment to water sciences. As the only intergovernmental programme in the UN system dedicated specifically to water research and management, IHP has played a vital role in fostering international collaboration to address global water challenges.
Since its establishment, IHP has evolved significantly from its early focus on hydrological science to a comprehensive, integrated, and interdisciplinary water science program. Its operational framework now includes a robust network of 29 UNESCO Category 2 Water Centers, 93 Water-related UNESCO Chairs, 170 National Committees, and 17 flagship initiatives, promoting knowledge sharing, capacity development, and the translation of scientific research into effective water policies and practices.
