Center Overview
UNESCO Category 2 Centre for Water Security and Sustainable Management
Vision & Mission
A UNESCO Category 2 Centre established under an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and UNESCO, carrying out research, education and international cooperation for global water security.
VISION
Equitable and safe water use for improved quality of life
It aims to address complex water challenges, including water scarcity, water pollution, and climate change, and to contribute to enhancing the quality of life, encompassing human health, sanitation, economic activities, and ecosystem preservation.
MISSION
Supporting water security strategies for sustainable development in response to climate change
We support the world in designing a water-secure future by predicting crises through scientific research, fostering experts through education, and disseminating policies through global networks.
Strategy & Core Programmes
3S basis: Sustainable Environment · Stable Society · Sound Economy
Adequate Water
An adequate amount of water, available to all without shortage, as needed.
Acceptable Water
An acceptable quality of water that everyone can use without concerns about waterborne disease or health
Accessible Water
Accessible Water that everyone can access anytime, anywhere, without environmental disruption.
Integrated Problem-Solving Research
Promoting the global water security agenda, supporting IHP strategies based on research and cooperation, managing the UNESCO Urban Water Management Programme Secretariat, and leading the water and gender agenda in the Asia-Pacific region
Field-oriented Education Program
Water Security, Next-Generation Leader Capacity Building Program, Smart Water Management in Central Asia, Water Security Capacity Building through International Organization Cooperation, Water Education for Future Generations
Global Cooperation Platform
Hosting the Future Water Security Forum, attending international water-related events, and fostering cooperation among the UNESCO Family to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
History
- 2026Establishment of the UNESCO-IHP Urban Water Management Programme (UWMP) Technical Secretariat at i-WSSMJune 2026 — The 27th UNESCO-IHP Intergovernmental Council endorsed the establishment of a dedicated UWMP Technical Secretariat hosted by i-WSSM in the Republic of Korea (IHP/IC-XXVII/5).
- 2025Renewal of i-WSSM websitei-WSSM Website Renewal
- 2024Opening of i-WSSM Nairobi Regional OfficeEstablishment of a Nairobi Regional Office within the Kenya Groundwater Research, Education and Training Center (RCGW) (Director: Mr. Benson Kimotho)
- 2023i-WSSM Laos Regional Office OpeningOpening of the first overseas i-WSSM's regional office within the National University of Laos (Director: Prof. Keodoungchai Keokhampui)
- 2022Establishment of a Statutory Corporation and Renewal of AgreementEstablishment of a statutory corporation pursuant to the Framework Act on Water Management (Jan. 2022.); approval of agreement renewal by the 214th UNESCO Executive Board (Apr. 2022); and signing and entry into force of the Agreement and MoU (2022. December)
- 2021Establishment of a statutory organization through the enactment of its enabling act.Legal basis for establishment secured through the amendment of the Framework Act on Water Management (July. 2021)
- 2019i-WSSM Selected as Asia Water Council (AWC) Board InstitutionAt the 3rd General Assembly of the Asia Water Council (AWC) (Mar. 2019), i-WSSM was selected as a Board Institution, expanding its participation in Asia water governance.
- 2018Transfer of Competent Ministry Following Water Management ConsolidationMinistry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport → Ministry of Environment
- 2017Official Establishment of i-WSSMLegal entity established (2017. May), held an opening ceremony and 1st Governing Board Meeting (2017. June)
- 2016Conclusion and Entry into Force of the Establishment Agreement, and PromulgationApproved by the 200th UNESCO Executive Board (Oct. 2016), Agreement signed, entered into force (Dec. 2016, Treaty No. 2330)
- 2013UNESCO Approved the establishment of i-WSSMApproval of i-WSSM's establishment at the 37th UNESCO General Conference (Nov. 2013)
- 2012Proposal for the Establishment of the International Centre for Water Security and Sustainable Water ManagementGovernment of the Republic of Korea Submitted a Proposal to UNESCO for the Establishment of i-WSSM (20th Session of the Intergovernmental Council of IHP)
- 2009Proposal for the Establishment of an International Cooperation System in the Water SectorPresident of the Republic of Korea Proposed the Establishment of an International Cooperation System in the Water Sector in a Keynote Speech at the 64th Session of UN General Assembly