Celebrating UNESCO's water legacy
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and 60 years of UNESCO's dedication to water sciences. Almost since its inception, 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ 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 double 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.
From arid zones to global leadership: UNESCO’s water journey
For half a century, UNESCO's scientific programmes have played an instrumental role in establishing freshwater 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 helps UNESCO Member States address their water challenges while promoting sustainable development.
Five decades of global impact: Transforming water management worldwide
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, and National Committees, 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 reinvigorated hydrological research globally 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 access to implementing early warning systems, IHP's work demonstrates how scientific expertise can create meaningful change when effectively bridging research, policy, and local action.
Join us!
You can join us in celebrating IHP’s anniversary through various activities and events happening worldwide.
