UNESCO i-WSSMUNESCO & Water Security
Introducing UNESCO's water security strategy and the role of i-WSSM
What is Water Security?
Water Security is a state in which all people have access to adequate quantity and quality of water, are protected from water-related hazards, and healthy ecosystems are maintained. It is a core challenge for humanity's sustainable development and peace.
"Water security is defined as the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems."
— UN-Water
Drinking Water & Sanitation
Ensuring all people have access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities.
Economic Activities
Securing stable water supply for agriculture, industry, energy, and other economic activities.
Ecosystem Conservation
Maintaining and conserving healthy aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
Disaster Resilience
Strengthening protection and resilience against water-related disasters such as floods and droughts.
UNESCO IHP
The Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the only intergovernmental programme of the UN system devoted to water research, water resources management, and related education and capacity building.
History and Mission of IHP
Established in 1975, IHP has promoted international cooperation in water science and water resources management for over 50 years. Currently in its IHP-IX (2022-2029) strategic phase under the theme 'Science for a Water-Secure World in a Changing Environment,' IHP contributes to strengthening global water security capacity through water-related scientific research and policy support.
i-WSSM and IHP
UNESCO i-WSSM was established in 2014 as a Category 2 Centre under IHP, conducting research, education, and international cooperation activities aligned with IHP's strategic objectives. It contributes to IHP's mission through water security capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region, NEXUS approach research, and expert training for developing countries.
Key IHP Programmes
FRIEND-Water
A global network programme promoting inter-basin comparative research and data exchange on water resource systems.
HELP (Hydrology, Environment, Life, Policy)
A programme achieving sustainable water management through collaboration between hydrologists, environmental experts, and policy makers.
ISARM (Transboundary Aquifer Management)
An international cooperation programme for joint management and conservation of transboundary aquifers.
WWAP (World Water Assessment Programme)
A programme that monitors the state of global freshwater resources and publishes the UN World Water Development Report.
Partner Countries
Trained Experts
Research Projects
Cat.2 Designation
Implementation Strategy
Adequate
풍부한 수량확보
Meeting water demand through securing sufficient water resources and efficient allocation.
Acceptable
적합한 수질공급
Building water supply systems that meet safe and clean water quality standards.
Access
지속가능접근성
Ensuring economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable water access considering disasters and conflicts.
Four Strategic Pillars
Global Support System & Network
Inter-ministerial cooperation (MOE, MOFA, MAFRA), AWC, FAO, WWC, World Bank partnerships
Water Security Issue Response Process
Institutional cooperation for implementation, water scarcity response, capacity building & technical strategy support
Research-Education-Information Network
Linked with K-water HRD Training Center, virtuous cycle of research-education-information sharing
Strategic Operations Management
Institutional partnerships for performance optimization
Three Priority Goals
Integrated Convergence Research
- Water security strategy framework development
- Field-based diagnosis & solutions (on-site surveys)
- Global Water Security Issues (GWSI) annual report
- Specialized education program development
Case-Based Practical Education
- Customized curriculum for developing countries
- Expanding case-based field education
- Water security expert degree programs
- Industry-academia-research talent development
Water Security Information Platform
- Global network hub establishment
- Two-way information exchange (offline publications + online programs)
- Database development & linked program activation
Mid-to-Long Term Roadmap
2017 - 2019
Foundation Phase
Mid-to-long term planning, infrastructure building, cooperation with Asian developing countries
3 Teams, 10 Staff2020 - 2022
Activation Phase
Global competitiveness, self-sustaining foundation, master's program, joint research
4 Teams, 20 Staff2023 - 2025
Stabilization Phase
Global R&E leadership in water security, doctoral program, policy recommendations
4 Teams, 20 StaffEstablishment Agreement
Treaty No. 2330
Agreement Renewal
Agreement renewed
Performance Evaluation
"Successful contribution with the highest level of expertise"