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Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme

Science for a water secure world

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Priorities (IHP-IX)
- IHP-IX Stategic Plan
- Scientific research and innovation
- Water education
- Bridging the data and knowledge gaps
- Integrated water resources management
- Science-based water governance
Expertise
- International agendas
- Water education
- Ecohydrology
- Water quality
- Hydrological systems, climate change and adaptation
- Groundwater sustainability
- Water for peace
- Water for human settlements
- New water culture

The UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), founded in 1975 following the International Hydrological Decade (1965-1974), is the only intergovernmental cooperation programme of the UN system dedicated to water research and management, and related education and capacity development. It addresses national, regional, and global water challenges, by supporting the development of sustainable and resilient societies.

International Conference on Climate Risk, Vulnerability and Resilience Building

19-21 April 2023

United Nations 2023 Water Conference

UNESCO’s contribution

Ninth phase of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme: IHP-IX

This phase, covering 2022-2029, identifies key water priority areas to support Members States to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Science for a Water Secure World in a Changing Environment

Identified and elaborated by UNESCO's Member States, and presented as five transformative tools for the period 2022-2029

UNESCO's Water Family in numbers

National Committees and Focal Points

compose the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme

Flagship Initiatives

are endorsed, recommended and coordinated through the IHP Intergovernmental Council

UNESCO water-related Centres

which undertake research, training and outreach in support of the IHP

UNESCO water-related Chairs

established as teaching and research positions at universities or research institutes

Lakes in Finland

UNESCO's expertise on water security

Understanding the state, use and management of the world’s freshwater resources and designing better water policies

UNESCO's work on water

News & Stories

Call for Applications: Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO’s programmes and sites (Extended deadline: 9 May 2024)

Call for Applications: Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO’s programmes and sites (Extended deadline: 9 May 2024)

Coming soon HYD Webinar - Water and Gender: Perceptions, Practices, and Indicators

Coming soon HYD Webinar - Water and Gender: Perceptions, Practices, and Indicators

26 February 2024

Changing climate, changing cryosphere: Towards the International Year of Glacier Preservation – 2025

14 November 2023

UNESCO’s contribution to the Stockholm World Water Week 2023

UNESCO’s contribution to the Stockholm World Water Week 2023

Events

Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference

Cat VIII - Symposia

Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference

10 June 2024 - 13 June 2024

26th session of the Intergovernmental Council of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme

Cat II – Intergovernmental meeting, other than international conference of States

26th session of the Intergovernmental Council of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme

3 June 2024 - 7 June 2024

Celebration of World Water Day 2024 in LAC "Water for Peace"

Cat VIII - Symposia

Celebration of World Water Day 2024 in LAC "Water for Peace"

Launch of the 2024 UN World Water Development Report: Water for Prosperity and Peace

Cat VIII - Symposia

Launch of the 2024 UN World Water Development Report: Water for Prosperity and Peace

Publications

Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) : collaborative water resources planning for an uncertain future

Development of climate change scenarios and impact analysis at Ntoum: technical report

Approaching climate and disasters in an age of uncertainty: case studies and insights for the High-level Experts and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP)

FRIEND-Water: a global perspective 2014-2022; facts and figures

Access our publications catalogue

and learn more about our actions and work at the International Hydrological Programme.

Publications catalogue