On October 30th, the 4th International Forum on Water Security and Sustainable 
Development & the 1st IAHR International Conference on Global Water Security 
officially opened at Hohai University's new campus in Changzhou. The event was 
jointly organized by the International Association for Hydro-Environment 
Engineering and Research (IAHR), Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society, Hohai 
University, and Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, and co-sponsored by 
Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development. Experts, scholars, 
students, and professionals from international organizations, including the 
World Meteorological Organization, research institutes, universities, 
enterprises, attended this forum.

At the opening ceremony, Yang Guishan, President of Hohai University, 
emphasized the pressing issue of global water security. The international 
community must deepen exchange and cooperation to share experience and 
achievements in water management. The forum aims to break down disciplinary 
barriers, foster interdisciplinary innovation, and promote international 
collaboration at the highest level through strategic discussions and research.

In his speech, Roger Falconer, fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering, former 
President of the IAHR, and Chairman of the Forum's Academic Committee, 
highlighted the significance of hosting such an academic conference on disaster 
prevention, water resource management, urban drainage, water quality, and water 
supply, as water security and sustainable water resource management have become 
global challenges.

Zhang Jianyun, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director of 
Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Honorary Director of 
Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, and Chairman of the Forum Organizing 
Committee, pointed out that the previous three forums garnered attention from 
experts and scholars all over the world, making it a globally influential 
high-level academic platform. This year's forum will make an even greater 
contribution to achieving the water-related goals of the United Nations' 2030 
Agenda for Sustainable Development and building a shared future for humanity.

Source: Hohai University