Key Water Resource Fields: Analysis of Global Development Trends and Future Pathways
The future of water
In January 2025, the International Water Resources Association entered into a collaborative agreement with the General Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Planning and Design (GIWP) to develop a strategic research report titled: Key Water Resource Fields: Analysis of Global Development Trends and Future Pathways
This report aims to explore global trends and future pathways in five key thematic areas:
- Water Resource Management Philosophy
- Water Resource Protection
- Sustainable Water Use
- Groundwater Management Practices
- River Basin Digital Twin Technologies and Practices
About the Partnership
GIWP is the technical supporting organisation under China’s Ministry of Water Resources, with administrative authority over the country’s water resources and hydropower planning, design, and management.
IWRA is working with GIWP to examine international trends and emerging practices in water resource management. The report helps inform GIWP’s long-term planning and support global efforts towards sustainable development in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Additional information
The research is led by Dr. Mary Trudeau, IWRA Project Officer, supported by Ignacio Deregibus, IWRA Executive Director, and a panel of IWRA members drawn from the Association’s broad network of global water experts.
IWRA brings its extensive experience in publishing respected reports, journals, and books on water-related issues and will be responsible for producing and promoting the final report.
Each thematic area explores through a comprehensive literature review and analysis, with a strong focus on:
- Government and think tank reports
- Supporting academic research
The research assesses current global trends and propose future directions for water resource development and management.