Plenary Session on the 50th UNESCO IHP Anniversary Celebration

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the only intergovernmental initiative of the UN system devoted to water research, management, and education. This special plenary session will celebrate five decades of global cooperation in advancing hydrological sciences and promoting sustainable water governance. It will reflect on IHP’s legacy in shaping water policies, building scientific capacity, and fostering innovation across diverse regions and disciplines. The session will feature high-level interventions, testimonials, and a retrospective on IHP’s milestones, achievements, and transformative impact on global water agendas. Looking ahead, the session will also serve as a platform to launch the vision for IHP’s future in a rapidly changing world. Discussions will focus on emerging water challenges, the role of science diplomacy, and the importance of inclusive, interdisciplinary approaches to water security. The event will highlight the continued relevance of IHP in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, and in strengthening resilience to climate change and water-related disasters. This celebration is not only a tribute to the past but a call to action for the next generation of water leaders, scientists, and policymakers.