2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and 60 years of UNESCO's dedication to water sciences. Since its inception, UNESCO has 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.
Anniversary Celebrations
The Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) anniversay celebrations will be officially marked with an event on 11 June 2025, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, and will be followed by technical symposia and institutional dialogues scheduled for 12-13 June.
This event will bring together members of the global water science community to look back on 50 years of progress and shape new strategies to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s water-related challenges.
50th Anniversary of UNESCO IHP Celebration Event
United Kingdom & Northern Ireland Delegation
A delegation of water experts from the UK&NI will be participating in the celebration event and symposia. The delegation includes:
UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH)
- Harry Dixon, Chair, UK IHP National Committee Chair
- Sayali Pawar, International Hydrological Data Coordinator (Early Career Researcher)
- Joanna Savage, (International Relations Coordinator / Ecologist), Secretary, UK IHP National Committee
- Steve Turner, Hydrologist
University of Birmingham
University of Dundee
John Rowan, Director, UNESCO Category 2 Centre for Water Law Policy & Science
University of Coventry
Bastien Dieppois, UNESCO Flow Regimes from International Experimental and Network Data (FRIEND-Water) – European Lead Coordinator (EuroFRIEND)
University of Plymouth
Will Blake, UNESCO International Sediment Initiative – Advisory Board
Imperial College London
Wouter Buytaert, Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources
Ben Howard, Research Associate in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Early Career Researcher)
University of Bristol
Rodolfo Nobrega, Lecturer in Hydrology
