Global Water Innovation Takes Center Stage as National Associations Meet in Singapore
Representatives from national water associations across four continents gathered on 26 June 2025 at the Singapore EXPO for the first in-person meeting of the IAHR Platform for National Water Associations, held in conjunction with the 41st IAHR World Congress. The session marked a milestone in international collaboration by bringing together technical associations to share national priorities and contribute to global solutions.
IAHR Water Innovation Report Presentation
The meeting featured the official presentation of the IAHR Global Water Innovation Report, delivered by Laura Montano, the lead author of the publication. Based on contributions from national associations representing over 200,000 professionals in countries with a combined population of more than three billion, the report identifies key engineering and research priorities for water innovation. These include:
Climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure
AI-driven monitoring, forecasting, and modelling
Smart water and weather infrastructure using digital twins and advanced data systems
IAHR Platform for National Water Associations
The session was opened by IAHR President Philippe Gourbesville, who welcomed the participants and introduced the objectives of the platform: fostering cooperation, improving visibility of national associations, and facilitating joint efforts toward addressing water challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The central part of the meeting featured short statements from national associations, offering a snapshot of innovation priorities and institutional perspectives from around the world:
Alexandre Kepler, representing Brazilian Association of Water Resources (Brazil), highlighted the need to increase international exchange of knowledge and acknowledged Brazil’s growing innovation agenda on nature-based solutions and digitalisation.
Kamal El Kadi Abderrezzak, speaking on behalf of Societe Hidrotechnique du France (France), pointed to climate change impacts, flood risk management, and smart infrastructure as key areas for French collaboration.
Truong Hong Son, of the Vietnam Academy for Water Resources, outlined Vietnam’s efforts to integrate digital technologies in managing extreme events and ageing infrastructure.
Sannasiraj Sannasi, from the Indian Society of Hydraulics, underlined India’s commitment to digital innovation and urban resilience in the face of increasing water-related extremes.
Nikte Ocampo, joining online from the Mexican Hydraulics Association, described Mexico’s strong interest in monitoring, forecasting, and innovation for flood-prone areas.
Jorge Cardoso, representing the Portuguese Water Resources Association, shared insights on the country’s experience with integrated water resources management and emphasised the value of international cooperation.
Ramón Gutiérrez Serret, speaking for the Spanish Institute of Engineers, discussed aligning technical expertise with national priorities and strengthening Spain’s contribution to global water solutions.
Leonardo Donado Garzón, of the Colombian Society of Hydraulic Engineering, emphasised the need to focus on innovation that bridges research and application, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate impacts.
Launched in 2024, the IAHR Platform for National Water Associations is a global initiative aimed at connecting technical and engineering associations from across the water cycle. Its goal is to enhance cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the collective ability to respond to global water priorities.
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