ABSTRACT
UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the only intergovernmental scientific program of the UN system on freshwater having a global scope. Since its inception in 1975, following the successful International Hydrological Decade of 1965-1974 conducted by several UN agencies, IHP has been at the forefront of international cooperation on water research and management, bringing together scientists, engineers, policy-makers, managers, and stakeholders. Currently, there are over 160 National Committees for the IHP in all continents. During six successive multi-year phases, IHP has evolved from having an essentially scientific emphasis into a trans-disciplinary, action-oriented and policy-relevant program, while retaining a strong scientific core, responding to the needs of the Member States.
