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. 

Water science and management are key pillars of UNESCO's mandate for sustainable development, covering vital aspects of human wellbeing and environmental protection. UNESCO's broad approach spans areas such as groundwater assessment and drought monitoring, supporting improved water resource management at local and transboundary levels. UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the main vehicle for addressing today's water challenges, drawing on a wide network of experts and specialized centres.

As the United Nations' sole intergovernmental programme dedicated to water research and management, IHP facilitates international cooperation on water-related challenges. Following its establishment in 1975, subsequent to the International Hydrological Decade, the programme has undergone significant evolution, transitioning from a focused hydrological science initiative to a comprehensive, integrated, and transdisciplinary water sciences programme. The programme's operational framework encompasses 29 water-related Centres, 93 UNESCO water-related Chairs, and 170 National Committees and 17 Flagship Initiatives, facilitating effective knowledge transfer between scientific research and practical implementation.

Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, and others attended the high-level event and delivered opening remarks. Leaders from relevant UN agencies, more than 10 national ministries, presidents of international organizations, members of the UNESCO water family, and members of the global water science community attended the meeting. Mr. LIU Zhiyu, Director General of the Department of Hydrology of the Ministry of Water Resources, Prof. PENG Jing, Director of the International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation (IRTCES), President of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) attended the meeting.

In the opening session, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, and Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the common water challenges facing the globe, stressing the important role of UNESCO IHP as a platform for solving water issues and advancing the water-related goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, and discussing future water development strategies and cooperation. The Ministerial Roundtable was held on the theme of Water.

The theme of the Ministerial Round Table was 'Water Science: For Life, Prosperity and Peace'. Ministerial guests and delegates made presentations on the important role of UNESCO IHP in the field of water and the relevant water strategies in their countries.

The conference presented the UNESCO IHP Long Term Outstanding Contribution Award, and the International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation, as the first UNESCO category 2 center in the world, received the award.

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.

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.