Positive evaluation of UNESCO-IHE

The external committee reviewed the effects of UNESCO-IHE’s integration in the international organisation, the positioning of the Institute within the Dutch water and education sectors and the relevance and impact of UNESCO-IHE programmes and services.

The report acknowledged the ‘relevant and necessary’ role that the Institute plays in enhancing the capacity of water professionals in developing countries. The committee positively appraised the steps of UNESCO-IHE towards strengthening partnerships with capable institutions and with its alumni community and encouraged the development of joint programmes with academic organisations in the developing world. The committee also recommended that increasing initiatives are taken to ensure that the returning graduates publish in their home countries too, and in local languages. The report forms a solid basis for the Dutch Government and UNESCO to renew the institutional agreement, allowing the Institute to continue to operate as a Category I Institute of UNESCO.