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 Bringing together National Water Associations for Sustainable Solutions

In a world grappling with increasingly complex and urgent water challenges, the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach has never been more critical. Issues such as climate change, carbon neutrality, and building resilient societies necessitate global and local cooperation, with active participation from all water stakeholders. Existing water sector organisations around the world have a collective responsibility to work together effectively  to address global priorities and implement solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To meet this need the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) has initiated a global platform for national water-related associations and societies.

 The Current Challenge

Existing water sector efforts organizations are often confined to specific parts of the water cycle such as like drinking water supply, sanitation, or irrigation. While these sectors are crucial, their individual efforts fall short of forming a significant critical mass across the whole water cycle needed to advocate global priorities and implement holistic solutions. This limitation hampers progress toward achieving the UN SDGs, as well as country abilities to acheive national goals.

 IAHR´s Vision

To address this challenge, IAHR has created a platform that brings together national water engineering associations from different countries. The goal is to establish a global network that fosters cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among these associations. By aligning with IAHR, national associations can amplify their impact, gaining increased visibility on the global stage, access to IAHR's extensive resources, and valuable opportunities for collaboration.

 Key Objectives

• Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange: IAHR seeks to facilitate robust cooperation and knowledge exchange among national water engineering associations. This collaborative environment will enable the sharing of best practices, research findings, and innovative solutions to common challenges.

• Global Visibility: National associations joining forces with IAHR will benefit from heightened global visibility. This visibility is key in advocating for the prioritization of water-related issues on the international stage and garnering support for sustainable solutions.

• Access to Resources: IAHR offers a wealth of resources, expertise, and research in hydro-environment engineering. By federating with IAHR, national associations can tap into this knowledge base, enhancing their capabilities to address complex water challenges.

• Opportunities for Collaboration: Through IAHR, national associations will have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including international experts, researchers, and other national associations. This collaborative network will empower associations to take collective action on global water challenges.

By embracing IAHR's initiative, national water engineering associations can play a pivotal role in advancing hydro-environment engineering and research globally. Together, these associations, along with IAHR, can contribute to innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions that address the multifaceted water issues faced by our rapidly changing world. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to the UN SDGs, this united front has the potential to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on the future of water management.

 Participating countries and associations

• Brazilian Water Resources Association | Brasil

• Chilean Society of Hydraulic Engineering | Chile
  

• Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society | China

• Indian Society of Hydraulics | India

• Indonesian Association of Hydraulics Engineers | Indonesia

• Mexican Hydraulics Association | Mexico

• Peru Association of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering | Peru
  

• Portuguese Water Resources Association | Portugal
  

• Societe Hidrotechnique du France | France

• Society of Korean Smart Water Grid | Korea
  

• Spanish Council of Civil Engineers | Spain

• Spanish Institute of Engineers | Spain

• Vietnam Water Resources Association | Vietnam

 Upcoming Activities

• Global Water Innovation Report. Priorities for Research, Engineering and Development

• Special Session of National Water Associations organised during the 41st IAHR World Congress “Innovative Water Engineering for Sustainable Development" in Singapore in June 2025

 Contact

For the Asia and Pacific Region, contact Mr. Derek Cai, IAHR Global Secretariat Beijing Office Manager: derek.cai@iahr.org

For Africa, Americas, Europe, contact Ms. Elsa Incio, IAHR Global Secretariat Madrid Office Manager: elsa.incio@iahr.org