UNESCO Marks 50 Years of Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme: A Commitment to Global Water Security

Paris, France — 2025 marks a significant milestone for UNESCO as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP).

This anniversary highlights UNESCO’s enduring commitment to advancing water research and management through international cooperation, aiming to ensure water security amid growing environmental challenges.

Since its inception in 1975, the IHP has played a pivotal role in addressing global water issues by fostering scientific knowledge, technical innovation, and education in water resources management. The program has brought together scientists, policymakers, and communities worldwide to tackle pressing water-related challenges through collaborative research and capacity development.

UNESCO’s IHP has evolved from its early focus on arid zones to becoming the UN’s only intergovernmental cooperation program dedicated to comprehensive water research and management. Over the past five decades, it has catalyzed transformative changes in water management practices globally, strengthening national policies and governance frameworks while empowering member states to effectively manage their water resources.

As part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations, UNESCO is set to launch various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable water management practices.

These initiatives will include the release of the 2025 United Nations World Water Development Report, which will focus on the critical role of mountains and glaciers in global water security.

The IHP’s strategic priorities for 2022-2029 will also be highlighted during this anniversary year, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals related to water security.

In summary, UNESCO’s celebration of the IHP’s 50th anniversary not only reflects on past achievements but also reinforces its ongoing commitment to ensuring water security for future generations in an era of unprecedented environmental change and growing global demands for water resources.