Hohai University Delegation Participates in Side Event of 18th World Water Congress

Issuing time:2023-09-25 11:10

Hohai University Delegation Participates in Side Event of 18th World Water Congress—Water Security and Sustainable Development: UNESCO IHP-IX

On the afternoon of September 14, the side event of the 18th World Water Congress—Water Security and Sustainable Development: UNESCO IHP-IX was hosted by the Chinese National Committee for the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and co-organized by Hohai University in Beijing. Renowned experts and representatives from over a dozen countries, including the Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China, UNESCO IHP, International Water Resources Association, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Monash Sustainable Development Institute in Australia attended the event. Professor Yu Zhongbo, Director of the National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention and President of UNESCO-IHP led the delegation to attend the side event.

The event was co-chaired by Wang Zongzhi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese National Committee of UNESCO-IHP, and Ms. Rahmah Elfithri, Chief of the Capacity Development, and Water Family Coordination Section at UNESCO. Professor Yu Zhongbo, as a special guest, attended the side event. He also participated in a special event during the morning session on September 14 titled "Water for All: Harmony between Humans and Nature" and delivered an opening welcome speech no both events.

The event focused on the discussion of the development of hydrological science and technological contributions in the context of global water security and sustainable development goals. Mr. Liu Zhiyu, Deputy Director General of the Hydrology Department of the Ministry of Water Resources, exchanged views on the current situation and prospects of hydrological development in China, sharing the remarkable achievements of China's modern hydrological science and technology. Mr. Abou Amani, Secretary-General of UNESCO-IHP, delivered a report on "UNESCO IHP-IX: Science for a Water Secure World in a Changing Environment". He presented the implementation of IHP-IX in five priority areas: scientific research and innovation, water education, data sharing, integrated water resources management, and scientific water governance. Professor Li Yiping exchanged ideas on water education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution including sustainability with experts attending the event. Under the framework of UNESCO-IHP, Hohai University has closely collaborated with IHP by actively promoting the selection of young talents for international organizational positions and deeply engaging in research and exchange activities related to significant water issues. Hohai University has provided precise support for Sino-Africa collaboration on water science and education, conducted training programs for high-level water professionals, and promoted water education and culture in China.

The side event has provided a platform for communication on water security and sustainable development, promoting the implementation of IHP-IX. As the Chair nation of IHP-IX Water Education, China has always taken the lead in establishing student scholarships, providing leadership training for young scientists, and conducting capacity-building initiatives. China will continue to provide support and strengthen cooperation, accelerating the implementation of actions in water science, water data, water education, water management, and water governance. This will further enhance China's international influence in the field of water resources, and provide more sustainable and robust technological and human resources support to promote the achievement of the water-related goals under the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Agenda and global water security.

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