The Netherlands, Unesco-IHE: Next Step in Cooperation

Unesco-IHE Vice-rector Stefan Uhlenbrook and Minister Schultz van Haegen of Infrastructure and Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking a new step in the joint effort of developing research, education and innovation in the field of water security and quality.

The cooperation, which started in 2003, will be continued for another four years. The MoU was signed at Unesco-IHE Institute for Water Education in Delft, the Nertherlands on 20 April.

The cooperation, which is of programmatic nature and focuses on integral water management, aims at supporting the Dutch international water agenda. With research, education and innovation the cooperation provides a contribution for four years in many areas: from delta technology to maritime technology, but also to putting knowledge and know how on the market.

The MoU mainly aims at developing:

● developing climate adaptation strategies of deltas within the river basin;
● supporting the ministry’s innovation program regarding water technology and ports development;
● contributing to the sustainable economic cooperation agenda of the Dutch government.

The fact that Unesco-IHE works on these themes with a network of western and non-western partners, on an international scale, makes the Institute a suitable partner for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment.