50 Years of the UNESCO IHP | 12–13 June 2025, Paris
As the global water community marked five decades of scientific cooperation and innovation under the IHP, the Geneva Water Hub, a Centre of Competence on Water for Peace joined partners in celebrating a milestone that bridges knowledge, policy, and action.
Since 2015, the University of Geneva’s Institute for Environmental Sciences has hosted the UNESCO Chair on Hydropolitics. In close collaboration with the Chair and its wide network, the Geneva Water Hub supports the advancement of cutting-edge research, education, and dialogue at the science-policy interface.
This year’s anniversary saw a powerful first: over 50 youth leaders from around the world gathered for the inaugural UNESCO Water Youth Dialogue. With input from 40+ youth organizations, they helped shape the Water Youth Strategy - a bold vision recognizing young people as key actors in the global water agenda.
Our colleague Erik A. Schnetzler contributed to the Dialogue with insights on Water for Peace. He spoke about how youth often lead the way in rethinking water governance through the lens of justice and inclusion, and how their perspectives are essential in confronting issues like the weaponization of water. Making sure these perspectives are heard and taken seriously is key to advancing more just, inclusive, and lasting approaches to water and peace.
Partners of the event included:
Jeunes Professionnels de l'Eau et de l'Assainissement du Sénégal
Astee - Association scientifique et technique pour l'eau et l'environnement Central Asia
Water Network Early Career Hydrogeologists' Network
UNESCO Ecohydrology Youth Network Network European Youth Parliament for Water
EYPW Groundwater Youth Network (GWYN) Network
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
International Water Association (IWA)
International Water Resources Association (IWRA)
Solidarity Water Europe / International Secretariat for Water Wavemakers
United World Water Council World Youth Parliament for Water Water Youth Network
