IAHR and the host of its global secretariat in China – China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) – jointly organized a special session in Beijing on October 13, 2025 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Beijing Office. The event was held as a parallel session of the 3rd Global River Symposium, a flagship event by IWHR.

The meeting, attended by ministry officials, IAHR past and current presidents, EC members, etc., reviewed a decade of development and achievements since the establishment of the Beijing Office and explored IAHR’s strategic priorities for the coming decade. A new agreement of collaboration between IAHR and IWHR was signed by Dr. Jiangyun Zhong, Vice President of IWHR, and Prof. Philippe Gourbesville, IAHR President, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration.

Senior Officials Highlight Achievements and Future Vision

Mr. Zhong Yong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, Science and Technology at China’s Ministry of Water Resources, and Dr. Jing Peng, President of IWHR, also IAHR past secretary general and honorary member, delivered opening remarks. Both commended the Beijing Office for its contributions over the past ten years to advancing international cooperation and strengthening global water governance.

Mr. Zhong emphasized China’s new vision for “Safe Rivers, Living Rivers, and Happy Rivers” in the context of modern river management. He underscored the importance of integrating traditional engineering strengths with contemporary ecological principles and recognized IAHR’s role as a bridge for international collaboration. He called for deeper scientific cooperation to address shared challenges in sustainable development.

Dr. Peng noted that the Beijing Office has played a vital role as a link between IAHR’s global headquarters and the Asia-Pacific region. She highlighted the longstanding trust and cooperation between IAHR and IWHR, and expressed hope that the Secretariat would continue to support IAHR’s strategic objectives and contribute to a sustainable water future amid growing challenges such as climate change and water security.

IAHR Strategic Outlook for 2024-2027

In his report, IAHR President Prof. Philippe Gourbesville presented the association’s 90-year history, the 2024-2027 strategic plan and the current priorities. He highlighted upcoming initiatives including the Global Water Innovation Report, ISO standards development, and global capacity-building programs. He emphasized IAHR’s commitment to knowledge sharing through its journals, conferences, and online platforms, and its cooperation with organizations such as UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to advance policy dialogue and build capacity in the water sector.

The formal signing of the agreement of collaboration between IAHR and IWHR, witnessed by all participants, marked a new stage of partnership and commitment to global collaboration.

Reflecting on a Decade of Growth

The session was co-chaired by Ms. Emily Wang, Director of IWHR's Division of International Cooperation and also IAHR Secretary General, and Mr. Tom Soo, IAHR Executive Director. Mr. Derek Cai, IAHR Global Secretariat Beijing Office Manager, presented a comprehensive ten-year review highlighting progress in membership services, IT support, technical committee management, and youth engagement.

Mr. Cai noted key innovations such as upgrades to the IAHR website and membership management system, enhanced online conference platforms, integration of academic resources, and the establishment of document and video libraries – all of which significantly improved operational efficiency and service quality.

Voices from Across the IAHR Community

A panel dialogue followed the reports and was attended by some special IAHR members – namely, Past President Prof. Nobuyuki Tamai (online), Past President Prof. Roger Falconer (online), Past President Prof. Peter Goodwin (video recording), Past President Prof. Joseph Lee, Past Executive Director Dr. Christopher George, Past Secretary General of IAHR Asia Pacific Division and China Chapter Prof. Wang Lianxiang, Vice President Prof. Mohamed Ghidaoui, Vice President Prof. Ioana Popescu, Secretary General Prof. Ramon Gutierrez Serret, IAHR Fellow Prof. Jia Yangwen, Secretary General of IAHR China Chapter Dr. Zhang Jianli, and IAHR Council Member (APD YPN Representative) Dr. Yu Qian. They reflected on their long involvement in IAHR activities, shared their reminiscent stories and gave their best wishes to both IAHR and the Beijing Office.

Strengthening Global Collaboration in Water Research and Engineering

The 10th anniversary session concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and promote scientific and technological progress in water and environmental engineering worldwide. The event not only celebrated a decade of achievement but also charted a path forward for greater international engagement and innovation in the years ahead.

To have a glimpse of what the Beijing Office has done in the past 10 years, visit 10th Anniversary of IAHR Global Secretariat Beijing Office.

To follow IAHR in WeChat Official Account or join IAHR WeChat Group, visit Follow IAHR in WeChat or Join Us in Group Chat.