Group photo at the AIWW 2024
The 3rd Asia International Water Week (AIWW), held in Beijing from September 23 to 28, 2024, gathered over 1,300 participants from 70 countries and 20 international organizations, highlighting Asia's commitment to addressing pressing water challenges. Under the theme “Enhancing Our Future Water Security,” the event focused on the critical need for collaborative, innovative, and sustainable solutions to regional water issues. Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Water Resources and the Asia Water Council, AIWW provided a dynamic platform for forward-thinking dialogue on water security.
Opening Ceremony of AIWW
Led by Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, UNESCO played a significant role in these discussions, with a focus on sustainable water management, transboundary cooperation, technological innovations, and empowering future generations. UNESCO’s engagement mainly centered on four key themes throughout the AIWW.
Prof. Shahbaz Khan (right) meets with H.E. LI Liangsheng (left), Vice Minister, Ministry of Water Resources of China, during the AIWW
Integrated Water Resources Management for Sustainability
UNESCO emphasized the growing adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) across Asia. This holistic approach to water management links surface water, groundwater, ecosystems, and human activities. IWRM engages sectors such as agriculture, industry, and energy, developing flexible strategies that improve water availability, quality, and equitable access.
Prof. Shahbaz Khan delivering speeches in the session on Sustainable Surface Water and Groundwater Management
The session on Sustainable Surface Water and Groundwater Management highlighted significant achievements in water management, featuring practical experiences from China. Prof. Shahbaz Khan stressed the need for strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable water management, urging continued knowledge exchange and best practice sharing. He emphasized that solutions must be tailored to each region’s unique socio-economic and environmental context.
Prof. Shahbaz Khan also outlined the importance of innovative technologies and multidisciplinary approaches at the 2nd Global River Forum, noting that collaboration between governments, academia, civil society, and international organizations is crucial to developing solutions that address both community needs and environmental conservation—a core aspect of UNESCO’s mission.
Dr. Ai Sugiura, Programme Specialist for Natural Science of UNESCO Office for East Asia introduced Open Science
In the session on Improving Water-Use Efficiency for Food and Energy Production, experts discussed using alternative water sources, like desalinated seawater, to address irrigation shortages. They emphasized including energy use and carbon emissions in water management to support a low-carbon water cycle. Dr. Ai Sugiura, Programme Specialist for Natural Science of UNESCO Office for East Asia introduced key pillars of Open Science — open scientific knowledge, open infrastructure, open engagement of societal actors, open dialogue with other knowledge systems and open science communication—and illustrated, through case studies, the role of Open Science in driving innovation and better decision-making within the water-food-energy nexus to support sustainable development.
Rethinking Our Relationship with Nature: Cultural Connections to Rivers
At AIWW, UNESCO highlighted the social and cultural importance of rivers, advocating for the inclusion of traditional water practices in modern water management. Rivers, which have shaped civilizations for centuries, are often neglected for their cultural and ecological roles. Restoring these connections can improve biodiversity, support sustainable living, and enhance climate resilience through nature-based solutions.
Dr. Peng Jing and Prof. Shahbaz Khan unveiled the multilingual version of the book River Ethics and China’s Practices
During the session River Ethics: Building Harmony between Human and River, Dr. Peng Jing, President of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR), and Prof. Shahbaz Khan unveiled the multilingual version of the book River Ethics and China’s Practices. This book emphasizes the ethical responsibility of stakeholders toward rivers, advocating for their protection and sustainable use.
Dr. Peng Jing (right) and Prof. Shahbaz Khan (left) signed a Memorandum of Understanding between IWHR and the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
The concept of river ethics reminds us that the well-being of humans and rivers is deeply intertwined. By respecting rivers' intrinsic value and ensuring their sustainable use, we can build a future where both humans and rivers thrive together.
Prof. Shahbaz Khan delivering remarks in the Plenary Session on River Conservation and Development
In the Plenary Session on River Conservation and Development, Prof. Shahbaz Khan outlined seven strategies to balance human development with nature, emphasizing nature-based solutions, community involvement, indigenous knowledge, and addressing climate change. He underscored that sustainable river management requires a holistic approach, considering the interconnections between water, ecosystems, and human needs.
Leading Smarter Water Governance: Innovating for Resilient Systems
UNESCO is a strong advocate for the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and Open Science as essential tools for promoting resilient water governance. Two UNESCO Water Family Symposiums held during AIWW stressed the importance of data sharing and transparent water science to address today’s complex water challenges.
UNESCO Water Family Symposium II: Open Science and Open Data
UNESCO has taken the lead in championing the International Decade for Science for Sustainable Development from 2024 to 2033. Prof. Shahbaz Khan, along with experts at the UNESCO Water Family Symposium II: Open Science and Open Data, explored topics such as the advantages of open science and open data, standards and protocols, data types, hydrological models, climate risk-informed decision-making, application cases, the role of the International Organization for Standardization technical committees, and prospects for future collaboration. Through the latest practices, they addressed the major challenges facing the development of water science using open science and open data.
UNESCO Water Family Symposium III: Toward the Frontier of Water Sciences
On the UNESCO Water Family Symposium III: Toward the Frontier of Water Sciences, Abou Amani, Director of UNESCO's Division of Water Sciences, reviewed the progress, goals, and key results of the nine phases of IHP. He indicated the importance of a Water Sciences Report to guide future, evidence-based solutions and explained the reasons for creating the report, along with plans for its development.
In the session on Flood and Drought, Prof. Shahbaz Khan emphasized the need to integrate social sciences with hydrology to tackle frontier scientific challenges, highlighting the importance of considering the social and economic dimensions in addressing these issues.
Youth: At the Heart of Future Water Security
UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the next generation of water professionals at AIWW. Through its network of UNESCO Water Chairs and Category 2 Centers, UNESCO supports capacity-building efforts that equip young professionals with the skills needed to address future water challenges.
The session Water Education for the Youth
The session Water Education for the Youth demonstrated the role of education in securing water security. Prof. Khan emphasized that inspiring youth with ethical water use, promoting equitable water access, and addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities is critical.
The session Positioning Youth in the Nerve of the Political Water Agenda: From Ideas to Actions
The session Positioning Youth in the Nerve of the Political Water Agenda: From Ideas to Actions gave youth delegates a platform to present their solutions to global water challenges, underscoring UNESCO’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in water stewardship.
Positioning youth in the heart of water governance is not about token representation; it’s about transforming how we approach water challenges. Young people are the leaders of today.
Special Session: 40th anniversary of IRTCES
2024 Governing Board Meeting of IRTCES
UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia celebrated the 40th anniversary of the International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation (IRTCES), attending the 2024 Governing Council Meeting. Prof. Shahbaz Khan discussed strengthening IRTCES as a global leader in scientific collaboration on water resources and ecosystem conservation.
Advancing Global Water Security: UNESCO's Ongoing Commitment
UNESCO's participation in AIWW 2024 highlighted its dedication to a comprehensive water management strategy, integrating social science, scientific innovation, and youth engagement. Through these efforts, UNESCO continues to lead the way toward a sustainable and resilient future for global water security.
UNESCO Booth at AIWW Exhibition showcasing water efforts over the past 50 years
