Highlights from the 41st IAHR World Congress held in Singapore!
A Landmark Gathering: The 41st IAHR World Congress Brings Together Over 1,350 Delegates in Singapore
The 41st IAHR World Congress concluded on 27 June 2025, marking a significant milestone for the global hydro-environment community. Held in conjunction with SIWW Spotlight 2025 at the Singapore EXPO, both events brought together more than 2000 delegates with a diverse and dynamic network of researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry professionals from across the globe.
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The 41st IAHR World Congress with 1,352 registered delegates from 60 countries and regions, stood out for its scale and diversity. Delegates came predominantly from Asia (65%), followed by Europe (23%), the Americas (7%), Oceania (4%), and Africa (1%). The top three represented countries were China (307), Singapore (172), and the Republic of Korea (129).
The scientific and technical programme was equally impressive. Across five days of activities, the congress featured:
152 total sessions, including;
103 technical sessions
49 special sessions
173 poster presentations
1,109 presentations delivered in total
These sessions covered cutting-edge topics in hydraulic engineering, climate resilience, digital water management, and nature-based solutions, which are completely alligned with the Thematic Priority Areas (TPAs) identified by IAHR to drive progress, foster expert communities, and promote synergy within the water sector. These areas address the most critical global challenges faced today. These priorities are outlined in the IAHR Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, through which IAHR is committed to providing a clear direction for research, development, and cooperation activities in the water sector.
The congress kicked off with its Joint Opening Ceremony, a vibrant and inspiring event that set the tone for the week ahead. Distinguished Keynote Speakers addressed pressing challenges in the water and hydro-environment sectors, offering global perspectives and forward-looking solutions. As part of the ceremony, several prestigious recognitions were presented, including the newly established IAHR Global Water Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership, and impact in the water sector.
The event also included a wide range of technical visits, taking delegates to strategic water and research facilities such as the Marina Barrage, Changi Water Reclamation Plant, and NEWRI. In parallel, workshops and masterclasses addressed emerging trends in AI, climate risk modelling, and hydraulic structures. Also, workshops and masterclasses were delivered during the Congress.
The Young Water Professionals (YWP) Programme was a notable highlight, with a symposium, fireside chats, and a dedicated networking night helping to empower the next generation of hydro-environment leaders.
The Solutions Marketplace hosted 41 exhibitors and two national pavilions, showcasing innovations in water technologies and services. It served as a key platform for knowledge exchange and partnerships between academia, industry, and government institutions.
During the congress, the IAHR General Members Assembly took place, along with High-Level Panels, special lectures (Ippen and Harleman), strategic meetings, and the prestigious IAHR Gala Dinner, where some of the IAHR 2025 Awards and IAHR Fellows were conferred.
As the congress drew to a close, IAHR expressed its heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and partners for making the 41st edition a resounding success and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaborative, science-based solutions for a water-secure world.
Gold Sponsors:
Lanyard sponsors:
Official 41st IAHR World Congress Photos now available for donwload!
We are pleased to announce that all official photographs from the 41st IAHR World Congress, held in Singapore from 22 to 27 June 2025, are now available for download.
From plenary sessions and technical events to networking highlights, the images capture the spirit and energy of an unforgettable week for the water community
Global Water Security Seminar and Keynotes
Joint Opening and Welcome Reception
Fireside Chat, Thematic Priority Areas and Young Proffesionals
IAHR Education and Professional Development
Closing Ceremony and Technical and Special Sessions
Download the full photo album here
Congress Report
You can download the closing report shared in the closing ceremony. A full congress report will be publishes in the upcoming weeks and in Hydrolink.
Proceedings
Proceedings and extended abstracts will be published in the upcoming weeks.
Certificates of participation
Certificates of participation will be provided upon request. Participants may write to: yasmin.rahman@mpinetwork.com
Credits for the photographs
IAHR: LinkedIn International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) | X @IAHR | Facebook IAHR | Instagram @iahr_water
SIWW Spotlight 2025: LinkedIn Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) | X @WaterWeekSG | Facebook Singapore International Water Week (SIWW)
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