From 11 to 13 June 2025, Paris hosted the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the sixtieth anniversary of UNESCO Water Sciences. Nearly six hundred participants – including political leaders, representatives of international organisations, scientific institutions, and youth delegates – gathered to discuss global water challenges and explore future solutions.
Hungary was honoured twice during the central ceremony: András Szöllősi-Nagy, Professor at the University of Public Service and Head of the UNESCO Chair in Water Conflict Management, received a lifetime achievement award for his outstanding contributions to water diplomacy, while Hungary was presented with a commemorative plaque recognising decades of professional engagement and its sponsorship of the jubilee events.
Hungarian side event focused on the Danube and water security
On 12 June, Hungary organised its own side event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris under the title “Water and Peace Along the Danube – Hungary’s Role in the Past, Present and Future of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme”. The programme showcased macro-regional cooperation in the Danube Region Strategy and Hungary’s leadership in the areas of environmental risk management, water quality, and sustainable energy.
László Balatonyi, Vice-Chair of Electoral Group II of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme and Hungarian coordinator of the environmental risk priority area of the EU Strategy of the Danube Region, presented Hungary’s experience in managing flood and drought risks and stressed the importance of cross-border water cooperation – particularly in light of the fact that more than 95 percent of Hungary’s surface water resources originate outside its borders. Jenő Lábdy, Head of the International Affairs Department at the General Directorate of Water Management, delivered a visual presentation on the most significant water damage prevention operations of the past six decades.
In his lecture “Water, Peace and Foresight in the Digital Age”, András Szöllősi-Nagy explored opportunities for combining water diplomacy with digital innovation, introducing the Water Peace AI Companion concept and plans for a new UNESCO UNITWIN Network dedicated to water and peace.
Building connections and gaining recognition
Following the side event, Hungary hosted a networking coffee break, providing an excellent opportunity for informal discussions and professional networking. Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, praised Hungary’s role in water management and its long-term commitment to sustainable water governance.
The event further strengthened Hungary’s international reputation in water diplomacy and reaffirmed its leading role in water policy cooperation across the Danube Basin.
Internet links:
UNESCO https://www.unesco.org/en
Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme - IHP https://www.unesco.org/en/ihp
UNESCO Unitwin https://www.unesco.org/en/unitwin
Written by Dr. László Balatonyi senior project referent, Directorate of Water Management, International Department