In Montpellier, a "Europe-Mediterranean-Africa Water Week" to promote dialogue between science and society
The UNESCO ICIREWARD International Center, run by the University of Montpellier with the support of 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 be an opportunity to welcome, for the first time in France, the Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), around which a unique program will allow the general public to discover several thematic exhibitions and various special events throughout the week.
Water conservation has become a priority issue worldwide and will be the theme addressed throughout the week. Montpellier, one of the world's water capitals, will devote seven days to discussing the challenges this resource faces today and exploring possible solutions across the Mediterranean basin. This week will also be an opportunity to make science accessible through a varied program, informative meetings, and exciting exchanges.
The 11th Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, a first in France
For the first time since its creation in 1922, the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) has chosen 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 Center on Water, ICIREWARD, the only center of its kind in France. The IAHS is the world's leading association for hydrological sciences, and its scientific assembly brings together the best Research . The ICIREWARD Center wants to take advantage of the arrival of more than 600 researchers to build bridges between scientists and civil society.
Two major initiatives launched by the University of Montpellier
During this week, there are two dates to remember because of what they represent 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 "Water, Women and Decision-Making" and Félix Houphouët-Boigny University (Abidjan) on the other.
A unique 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 and artistic mural entitled "I leave my mark on water, I make a commitment"
All week long, the following will be available for free at the Belvedere Lounge:
- Audio-visual exhibitions: "Water, a challenge for the future"
- A scientific exhibition entitled "Water at the Heart of Science"
- An exhibition of work produced by schoolchildren, "Water4Future Junior"
On May 31, the following event will take place at the Corum in Montpellier:
- From 3 to 5 p.m.: the international final of the "Ideackathon Water4Future" international competition for high school students
- At 7:00 p.m.: Erik Orsenna's lecture "Rivers and Climate Change: How Can We Imagine a New Future?" at the Pasteur Auditorium.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Date: May 29 to June 3, 2022
Full program for the week: unesco-montpellier.org