The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. George Were Eshiamwata, Ag. Director, Research and Consultancy and Deputy Director, Natural Sciences, to the Advisory Board of the UNESCO Urban Water Management Programme (UWMP), a flagship initiative of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP).
Dr. Eshiamwata, who also serves as the Secretary of Kenya’s National Committee for the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), has been appointed to the Advisory Board for the period July 2026 to 31 December 2029, with the possibility of renewal. The appointment recognizes his distinguished expertise, leadership, and long-standing contribution to the field of water resources management and further strengthens Kenya’s voice in shaping global dialogue on sustainable and resilient urban water systems.
The Urban Water Management Programme is hosted by the UNESCO International Centre for Water Security and Sustainable Management (i-WSSM) in the Republic of Korea, which serves as the Programme’s Technical Secretariat. As a member of the Advisory Board, Dr. Eshiamwata will provide strategic and scientific guidance on the Programme’s priorities and roadmap, review key technical outputs, and contribute to strengthening collaboration and partnerships within the global UNESCO Water Family.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time as UNESCO advances the implementation of the Ninth Phase of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP-IX) Strategic Plan (2022–2029), “Science for a Water Secure World in a Changing Environment.” The Programme seeks to promote innovative, science-based approaches to addressing emerging water challenges, enhancing urban water resilience, and supporting sustainable development in rapidly urbanizing environments.
The UWMP aims to support cities and Member States in developing and implementing climate-resilient and sustainable urban water management strategies through knowledge generation and exchange, analysis of emerging trends, capacity development, policy dialogue, scientific cooperation, and strategic partnerships. The initiative promotes practical solutions that improve access to safe and clean water, reduce pollution, protect and restore urban aquatic ecosystems, strengthen the resilience of water infrastructure, and contribute to the development of water-secure, climate-resilient, and liveable cities.
This prestigious appointment not only reflects Dr. Eshiamwata’s professional excellence and international recognition but also underscores KNATCOM’s growing influence and credibility within the UNESCO network and the broader international scientific community. It highlights the Commission’s commitment to advancing UNESCO’s mandate in science, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, while strengthening Kenya’s contribution to global efforts aimed at addressing pressing water and climate challenges.
KNATCOM congratulates Dr. Eshiamwata on this notable achievement and looks forward to his continued contribution in advancing UNESCO’s global water agenda while elevating Kenya’s profile in international water governance and sustainable development.
