Event
Launch of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme 50th anniversary and 60 years of water sciences
The 50th anniversary of IHP represents a milestone in UNESCO's commitment to water science and water security. For half a century, this flagship programme has exemplified how international scientific cooperation can address global challenges.
This anniversary marks 50 years of IHP excellence in advancing water management and 60 years of UNESCO's dedication to water sciences. The important event drew 54 Member States, demonstrating the global recognition of IHP's crucial role in addressing water challenges.
Evolution and impact
Since 1975, IHP’s approach has evolved from pure hydrological sciences to holistic, interdisciplinary water sciences. Hallmarks of the programme include flood and drought monitoring systems, earth-observation of water quality, groundwater assessment tools, snow and glacier modelling, and advancing gender equality in the water sector. Indeed, by distributing and advancing these tools and perspectives through its UNESCO Water Family network of 29 water-specialized centres, 17 flagship initiatives, 84 UNESCO chairs, and 171 National Committees, IHP has facilitated the adoption of sustainable water management practices worldwide. 
As we celebrate 50 years of IHP, we reflect on our journey from a focused hydrological science programme to a comprehensive platform for water security. Our success lies in the power of international scientific cooperation.
Anniversary initiatives and outlook
To commemorate this milestone, IHP will release several major publications in 2025 and 2026, including among others a commemorative special issue on the evolution of hydrology, a UNESCO–Cambridge University Press book on scientific frontiers for water security, and a coffee table book on 60 years of water sciences at UNESCO. 
The anniversary year will feature technical symposia, a webinar series exploring the Frontiers of Water Science, countless events around the globe from the Water Family, and a high-level celebration on 11 June 2025. Ministers from IHP’s Member States and heads of international organizations and scientific associations were invited to participate in dialogues on water science for peace and the Future of Water and all members of the Water Family were invited to submit proposals for side events for 12-13 June 2025.
As the UN's only intergovernmental programme dedicated to water research, management, and education, IHP continues its commitment to advancing water sciences and ensuring water security in an era of environmental change, serving as a crucial platform for developing global knowledge on climate-human interconnections related to water resources.
