The 27th session of the Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) took place from 1 to 5 June 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The event represents one of the World’s leading platforms for water science and water policy, bringing together experts, decision-makers and international organisations to address emerging water challenges.
Although Hungary is not currently serving as a member of the Intergovernmental Council, the country actively participated in the session and related professional discussions. Key topics included water security, climate adaptation, drought and flood management, water education and capacity development, as well as preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
A major focus of the meeting was the future development and strategic transformation of UNESCO IHP. Discussions explored how scientific knowledge can be more effectively translated into practical solutions and evidence-based decision-making processes.
An important achievement for Hungary was the recognition of the Regional UNESCO–Danube–IHP Consultation held in Vienna in December 2025. Organised by Hungary with the support of Austria and the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe (Venice), the event brought together experts from 18 countries and was highlighted in the official report celebrating the 50th anniversary of UNESCO IHP.
The session also provided an opportunity to present the activities of the UNESCO Chair in Water Conflict Management hosted by the Faculty of Water Sciences of the Ludovika University of Public Service of Hungary, and to discuss future cooperation opportunities related to water diplomacy, capacity development and international scientific collaboration.
UNESCO IHP Group II. Technical Meeting, 3th of June, 2026. UNESCO HQ, Paris
photo: UNESCO
The meeting once again demonstrated that addressing today’s water challenges requires strong international cooperation. UNESCO IHP continues to play a unique role in connecting science, policy and practice, helping countries and institutions work together towards sustainable and resilient water management solutions.
All official documents, working documents, reports, draft resolutions and adopted decisions of the Intergovernmental Council session are available through the following UNESCO document repository:
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/collections/documents-of-the-ihp
Text and photo: dr. László Balatonyi, International Department, General Directorate of Water Management of Hungary