Paris, 12 June. The Permanent Delegation of Cuba to UNESCO took part in the main events marking the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the 60th anniversary of the International Geoscience Programme, held at the Organization’s Headquarters, which included a commemorative session in Room I and a side event dedicated to youth participation in water science.
Since joining the only intergovernmental programme in the UN system dedicated to the sustainable management of water resources, Cuba has actively contributed to the Regional Hydrological Network for Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting technical cooperation, capacity building, and applied research on key issues such as integrated watershed management, water security, and climate change adaptation.
Over the years, Cuban institutions such as the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources and various universities have helped strengthen regional scientific collaboration, sharing experiences and results that benefit other countries in the region. Special emphasis has been placed on training young professionals, which was reflected in the side event that brought together students and young researchers from different countries to discuss their role in the future of hydrology.
The celebrations featured a high-level session, technical panels, the launch of key programme publications, and intergenerational dialogue spaces, reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges related to water and sustainable development.