In Montpellier, a "Europe-Mediterranean-Africa Water Week" to foster dialogue between science and society
The UNESCO ICIREWARD International Center, led by the University of Montpellier with support from the CNRS, is organizing the “Europe-Mediterranean-Africa Water Week” from May 29 to June 3, 2022. This week, dedicated to water issues on a national and international scale, will mark the first time France hosts the Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS). A unique program will allow the general public to explore several themed exhibitions and various special events throughout the week.
Now a top global priority, the conservation of water resources will be the focus of the week. As Montpellier is one of the world’s water capitals, seven days will be dedicated to discussing the challenges this resource poses today and exploring possible solutions across the Mediterranean basin. This week will also be an opportunity to make science accessible through a diverse program, informative meetings, and engaging discussions.
The 11th Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, a first for France
For the first time since its founding in 1922, the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) has selected France to host its scientific assembly and celebrate its 100th anniversary. Montpellier was chosen to organize this major event due to the presence of its UNESCO International Centre for Water Research, ICIREWARD, the only center of its kind in France. The IAHS is the world’s leading association in hydrological sciences, and its scientific assembly brings together the best Research . The ICIREWARD Center aims to leverage the visit of more than 600 researchers to build bridges between scientists and civil society.
Two major initiatives launched by the University of Montpellier
This week features two dates worth noting because of what they mean for the University of Montpellier:
- May 30 at 10:30 a.m.: Opening of the AISH conference by Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier.
- June 2 at 10:30 a.m.: Signing of the partnership agreement between the UNESCO Center in Montpellier and the University of Montpellier, on the one hand, and the UNESCO Chair in “Water, Women, and Decision-Making” and Félix Houphouët-Boigny University (Abidjan), on the other.
A brand-new program that is free and open to the general public
All week long, the following will be available for free on the Charles de Gaulle Esplanade:
- A participatory art mural: “I leave my mark on the water, I make a commitment”
Throughout the week, the following will be available for free at the Salon du Belvédère:
- Audiovisual exhibitions titled “Water: A Challenge for the Future”
- A science exhibition titled “Water at the Heart of Science”
- An exhibition of student projects from the "Water4Future Junior" program
On May 31, the following event will take place at the Corum in Montpellier:
- 3:00–5:00 p.m.: The international final of the “Ideackathon Water4Future” international competition for high school students
- At 7 p.m.: Erik Orsenna’s lecture, “Rivers and Climate Change: How Can We Envision a New Future?” at the Pasteur Auditorium.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Date: May 29–June 3, 2022
Full schedule for the week: unesco-montpellier.org