IAHR Launches the IAHR Global Water Innovation Report
On 26 June, during the 41st IAHR World Congress, IAHR launches the 2025 IAHR Global Water Innovation Report.This landmark publication consolidates the perspectives of over 200,000 water professionals and national associations from nine countries representing more than three billion people.
Context
The report was officially presented during the first in-person meeting of the IAHR Global Platform of National Water Associations, held today in Singapore. This milestone event brought together representatives from national water organisations and was hosted as part of the 41st IAHR World Congress. .
This publication marks the first collaborative output of the Platform of National Associations, an initiative launched by IAHR in 2024 to foster international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint action among national water professional associations. It involves associations from Brazil, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, France, Korea, Spain and Vietnam. Together, these countries represent a population of over three billion people, offering a powerful snapshot of shared and region-specific water challenges and innovation needs.
The report highlights shared innovation priorities, such as climate-resilient infrastructure, smart water management, and AI-driven monitoring, and calls for stronger global cooperation and investment in research and development. The report lays the foundation for a Global Water Innovation Roadmap.
The results were presented at the first meeting of the platform, held on 26 June 2025 at the 41st IAHR World Congress in Singapore.
Key Highlights
The top emerging game changer identified
Climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure, including adaptive strategies and nature-based solutions.
Countries identified the development of climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure as the top innovation priority. This includes adaptive designs and nature-based solutions (NbS) such as green infrastructure, mangrove buffers, flood-resilient urban planning, and upgraded water/sanitation systems. These solutions are considered ready for deployment and crucial for protecting communities from climate-related impacts.
The leading priority for engineering research and development
Monitoring, forecasting, and modelling using AI and remote sensing to improve disaster preparedness and real-time management.
The most urgent engineering development need is the advancement of real-time monitoring, forecasting, and modelling systems for hydrology, environment, and coastal zones. By integrating AI, remote sensing, and advanced tools, countries aim to improve disaster preparedness (e.g., for floods and droughts), enhance decision-making, and strengthen infrastructure resilience.
The most cited fundamental research need
Development of smart water and weather infrastructure and monitoring, through the integration of digital twins, artificial intelligence, and advanced data systems.
The most frequently cited need for basic research is the development of smart water and weather infrastructure, combining digital twins, artificial intelligence, and advanced monitoring systems. These technologies aim to support better water supply reliability, disaster risk reduction, and long-term planning through predictive modelling and real-time analytics.
Strong alignment was found across countries with IAHR’s Thematic Priority Areas, particularly on:
Digital transformation: Widespread need for data systems, IoT, AI, and digital tools to modernise water management.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation: Innovations to help cope with extreme weather events and long-term variability.
Water-energy-food nexus: Cross-sectoral approaches to improve sustainability and resource efficiency.
Resilience to water hazards and disasters: Focus on early warning systems, smart infrastructure, and integrated planning.
Open Platform - Join Us
The IAHR Platform of National Water Associations is open to other national and regional water associations interested in contributing to and benefiting from this collaborative process. The next edition of the report will expand to include more perspectives and insights.
For more information or to join the platform, contact: elsa.incio@iahr.org
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