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Keywords: IAHR Label for Water Training and Education
Abstract:
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.
Among the SDGs, the SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for all – is the only one to be directly connected to 8 SDGs and indirectly to 8 other SDGs. The UN Water conference held in 2023 made it clear that now is the time for action. Achieving the SDG 6 in 2030 requires a fourfold acceleration of the current pace. Specifically, the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework calls for urgent and unifying action on capacity development. Education and training of water professionals is an absolute priority that will not only benefit the SDG 6 but also help to tackle climate change impacts, food security, biodiversity preservation, energy transition, and social development.
IAHR specifically identifies that in order to meet these challenges, many countries have an urgent need to ensure a critical mass of water professionals trained with relevant competences and skills. In response to this challenge, IAHR has proactively worked in introducing a labelling system aimed at acknowledging the quality of education and training programs tailored for the water sector. This unique label is conferred by IAHR to specific programs, serving as a recognition of their dedication in providing education aligned with the requirements of water professionals.
The IAHR Label aims to enhance the international acceptance of the excellence inherent in these educational and training initiatives. IAHR expects that the uptake of this system will inherently and immediately deliver results towards better-skilled national workforces, at increased scales across the globe.
For the reasons mentioned UNESCO has honoured this as a Flagship Initiative within its Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP).
Also available: Chinese translation of this brochure 中文版
Year: 2024