Celebrating UNESCO's water science legacy and shaping its future
The year 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and 60 years of water sciences at UNESCO since the International Hydrological Decade (1965-1975).
Since its inception, UNESCO has contributed to advancing water research and management, addressing global water challenges through international cooperation and scientific excellence. The IHP (Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme), 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.
The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the IHP will focus on “Science of Water: From Science to Application and Way Forward” and showcase successes of IHP for the past 50 years and onward, such as the Joint Danube Survey and the impact of IHP’s work across the world, including our Danube River Basin.
