50 years of wise water: UNESCO-IHE Anniversary

The Institute of Hydraulic Engineering (IHE) in Delft, The Netherlands, was established in 1957 when it first offered postgraduate training to practicing professionals from developing countries. Over the years, IHE has developed into an international education institute. In November 2001, UNESCO’s 31st General Conference decided to make IHE an integral part of the Organization, and the new UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education became operational in March 2003. To celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2007, UNESCO-IHE is organizing a symposium on 13-15 June entitled: 'Water in a changing world: Enhancing local knowledge and capacity.' The title reflects the three most important aspects of UNESCO-IHE’s work: building capacity to address priority issues in the water sector; knowledge as a fundamental component of capacity; and knowledge in its local context. UNESCO-IHE is also holding a worldwide photo competition with two categories, one for alumni, and the other open to all. A special web section on other events related to UNESCO-IHE's 50th anniversary will be available online in December.