Celebrating UNESCO's water science legacy and shaping its future
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and 60 years of UNESCO's dedication to water sciences. Since its inception, 91鶹Ʒ contributed to advancing water research and management, addressing global water challenges through international cooperation and scientific excellence. The IHP, as UNESCO's flagship water science programme, has played a pivotal role in fostering scientific knowledge, technical innovation, and education in water resources management. This anniversary represents not just a celebration of past achievements but also highlights UNESCO’s ongoing commitment to ensuring water security for future generations in an era of unprecedented environmental change and growing water demands.
Through five decades of collaborative research, capacity development, and policy support, IHP has brought together scientists, policymakers, and communities worldwide to address pressing water-related challenges. This commemoration of significant IHP milestones reflects on the journey while looking ahead to tackle emerging water challenges in an increasingly complex world.
As we celebrate 50 years of IHP, we reflect on our journey from a focused hydrological science programme to a comprehensive platform for water security. Our success lies in the power of international scientific cooperation and the dedication of countless scientists, experts, and partners who have contributed to advancing water science and management. Today, we stand committed in facing water challenges of the future through innovative solutions.
UNESCO's water journey
For half a century, UNESCO's scientific programmes have played an instrumental role in establishing sustainable water management as one of humanity's most critical challenges for planetary survival. At the forefront of these efforts stands the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, which evolved from pioneering research on arid zones in the 1950s through the Major Project on Arid Lands (1956) and the International Hydrological Decade (1965). Today, IHP serves as the UN's only intergovernmental cooperation programme dedicated to water research, management, education, and capacity development. Through scientific expertise and practical solutions, it supports UNESCO Member States address their water challenges while promoting sustainable development.
Five decades of global impact
Since its establishment in 1975, IHP has catalyzed transformative change across all levels of water management. Through its extensive network of water-specialized centres, chairs, National Committees and focal points, and flagship initiatives the Programme has fostered international scientific cooperation that has transformed water management practices worldwide. This collaborative approach has strengthened national policies and governance frameworks while empowering Member States to better manage their water resources. IHP has amplified multilateral, global hydrologic research by connecting scientists across regions and supporting innovative methodologies. Most importantly, this scientific knowledge has translated into practical solutions, helping communities worldwide adapt to water-related challenges. From improving water management to implementing early warning systems, IHP's work demonstrates how scientific expertise can create meaningful change when effectively bridging research, policy, and local action.
“My participation to a IHP summit have led to meaningful collaborations on water-related projects, reinforcing my passion for advancing groundwater solutions in my community.”
"Collaborating with IHP has empowered the UNESCO Groundwater Youth Network to collectively address groundwater related challenges."
"This experience with IHP reshaped my perspective, reinforcing my belief that collective global effort can yield tangible results and drive meaningful change."
"My engagement with UNESCO IHP has inspired me to continue advocating for youth participation and interdisciplinary approaches in water management."
"Water resource challenges are complex, yet I'm inspired seeing diverse experts collaborating under UNESCO IHP to build a sustainable future."
Advancing water sciences
IHP leverages cutting-edge research and international collaboration to address today's water challenges. The Programme's unique Water Family network creates a powerful framework for implementing innovative solutions. Through this network, IHP has made significant contributions to flood and drought monitoring, groundwater assessment, water quality monitoring, nature-based solutions, and snow and glacier modelling. Its current phase, “Science for a water secure world in a changing enDzԳԳ,” demonstrates how IHP combines research excellence with practical impact to tackle emerging water security issues in our rapidly changing world.
Join our IHP webinars showcasing cutting-edge water science research throughout 2025
Discover UNESCO's extensive Water Family network supporting five decades of innovation in water sciences
IHP connects global researchers and institutions to advance water science
IHP fosters global water science advancement through collaborative research initiatives
