Hohai University Delegation Participates in the 30th IHP Regional Steering Committee Meeting

Hohai University Delegation Participates in the 30th IHP Regional Steering Committee Meeting for Asia and the Pacific - Accelerating Changes Towards a Multidisciplinary Approach in Water Resources Management

The 30th IHP Regional Steering Committee Meeting for Asia and the Pacific was held successfully in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 8th to 10th November. The meeting is hosted by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change of Malaysia with Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO, facilitated by the IHP RSC-AP Secretariat at UNESCO Office in Jakarta. Professor Yu Zhongbo, President of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program (IHP) of UNESCO and Director of the National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention at Hohai University, headed a delegation to the conference. Over 150 experts, policy makers, practitioners, and researchers in the water resources field from 31 countries and regions took part in the event.

The meeting aimed to report, assess and review the primary activities carried out by the countries in the Asia-Pacific region under the framework of UNESCO IHP. To achieve this, the meeting would examine the outcomes of the related activities implemented by the IHP RSC member countries, address future challenges faced by member countries, emphasize efficient and effective solutions in key areas of the Asia-Pacific Regional Water Programme and coordinate and reinforce cooperation in science and education among the member countries in the region. During the national report session, the university delegation, on behalf of the IHP China National Committee, presented China's scientific research and education, human resources training, cooperation and exchange efforts, as well as the creation of science and technology funds in water resources management.

In this meeting, President Yu Zhongbo delivered a keynote speech titled "Addressing challenges in water security: UNESCO IHP IX Strategic Plan". The report highlighted that water security under climate change is a complex issue with global, national, or regional implications, directly influenced by hydrological processes and the spatial and temporal distribution of water. In the context of the implementation of IHP-IX, achieving sustainable development of water resources demands a reinforced approach towards tackling water security challenges, via water sciences research to advance knowledge and innovation; enhancing the science-policy interface to attain water security throughout all levels; and fostering education and capacity development to strengthen water resources management and governance.

Meanwhile, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of UNESCO IHP RSC-AP, a ceremony was held to review the historical significance of the Asia-Pacific Regional Steering Committee and its contributions to water challenges in the region. The event also provided direction for future development on how to enhance the Committee's effectiveness and influence in the Asia-Pacific region, alongside young experts in water issues. President Yu Zhongbo was honoured with the UNESCO IHP RSC-AP Outstanding Contribution Award during the festivities.