UNESCO hosts four major international programmes in Natural Sciences. One of them is the International Hydrological Programme(IHP), which is the only intergovernmental programme of the UN system devoted to water research, water resources management, and education and capacity building.
UNESCOs IHP has been implemented in six-year programmatic time intervals or phases since its foundation in 1975. Now it is entering its eighth phase to be implemented during the period 2014-2021 under the theme of Responses to Local, Regional, and Global Challenges, which focuses on six thematic areas. Theme 6 is Water Education, Key to Water Security and it consists of five focal areas as below.
Besides, Sustainable Development Goals also shows the importance of water education. For example, SDG 6.a mentions By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programs, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, waste water treatment, recycling and reuse technologies. Also, SDG 4.7 mentions By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of cultures contribution to sustainable development.
In this backdrop, Centre will design education programs to meet specific needs in developing countries focusing on case study and study visit, and operate programs to contribute to enhancing developing countries capacity of addressing water issues.