From 1 to 5 June 2026, the 27th Session of the Intergovernmental Council of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) was held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. Representatives of the UNESCO Water Family, including members of the IHP Bureau, member states and Category 2 centres, UNESCO water chairs, and observers, attended the meeting. Mr. LIU Zhiyu, Director-General of the Department of Hydrology, the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), P. R. China and Chairman of the Chinese National Committee for the UNESCO-IHP (IHP China), led a delegation, composed of representatives from China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute (NHRI), Hydrology Bureau of Changjiang Water Resources Commission and Hydrology Bureau of Yellow River Conservancy Commission, to attend the meeting.

Mr. Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of the UNESCO, delivers an opening remarks 

At the Session, the Chinese delegation actively contributed to discussions on a range of key issues, demonstrating China’s commitment to and leadership in advancing global water governance, water sciences, water education, and international scientific and technological cooperation. The delegation highlighted the strategic plan and capacity-building outcomes of the International Sediment Initiative (ISI), hosted by China, and expressed support for the advancement of eco-hydrology, glacier preservation, and the UNESCO’s Water Science Report. It also reviewed its activities marking the 50th anniversary of the IHP and the 60th anniversary of the UNESCO Water Sciences, the evaluation of the ninth phase of the IHP (IHP-IX), and the Roadmap for the Transformation and Strategic Strengthening of the IHP, while emphasizing the engagement of young scientists and the enhancement of capacities to respond to extreme events. The delegation voiced support for the 2026 UN Water Conference to be co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal and announced that China would co-chair, together with Spain, the interactive dialogue on “Water for Prosperity”. It underscored the vital role of the IHP in hydrological science and technology, data sharing, youth capacity development, and cooperation among Category 2 centres, and called for stronger science–policy collaboration to advance water for prosperity, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

During the meeting, Mr. LIU Zhiyu met with Mr. Abou Amani, Director of the UNESCO’s Division of Water Sciences and Secretary-General of the IHP. The two sides exchanged views in depth on progress achieved and future plans for cooperation between the MWR and IHP. Mr. Amani highly appreciated China’s active contributions within the IHP framework and expressed his hope that the UNESCO and China would conclude a Memorandum of Understanding in the near future to further strengthen cooperation in hydrological capacity development, knowledge sharing, and scientific and technological collaboration.

Meeting with Mr. Abou Amani

Mr. LIU Zhiyu also met with Ms. Cristiane Collet Battiston, the newly-elected Chair of the IHP, congratulating her on her election and expressing China’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with the new IHP Bureau and jointly advance the development of global hydrology and water sciences.

Meeting with Ms. Cristiane Collet Battiston

The 27th Session of the IHP Intergovernmental Council focused on a broad range of issues, including preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference, water governance under climate change, water science data sharing, eco-hydrology, glacier preservation, the management of Category 2 centres, the mid-term review of the IHP-IX, and the Roadmap for the Transformation and Strategic Strengthening of the IHP. The meeting emphasized the enhancement of multi-stakeholder cooperation, youth engagement, and stronger science–policy integration to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) and global water security.

The Secretariat Office of the IHP China is stationed at NHRI. Over the years, the Secretariat Office has provided strong support for the IHP China’s routine work, organized domestic and international academic exchanges, promoted cooperation in hydrological science and technology, coordinated activities related to the UNESCO Category 2 centres and water chairs, and supported capacity development for young professionals. These efforts have provided a solid foundation for China’s active and substantive participation in the IHP affairs.