UNESCO-IHE continues the work that was started in 1957 when IHE first offered a postgraduate diploma course in hydraulic engineering to practising professionals from developing countries.
Over the years, IHE developed into an international education institute offering a host of postgraduate courses and tailor-made training programmes in the fields of water, the environment and infrastructure. It also conducted applied research, implemented institutional capacity building and human resource development programmes, participated in policy development, and offered advisory services worldwide.
Watch the Video "History of IHE" (19:32 min./WMV)
The Institute gradually expanded its academic base to include disciplines such as sociology, economics, and environmental and management sciences.
Its range of activities broadened accordingly, from identifying solutions to engineering problems, to designing holistic and integrated approaches in the development and management of water and environmental resources, and urban infrastructure systems.
The Institute’s services also comprise integrated water resources management, effective service delivery and institutional reform, all of which aim to enhance full stakeholder involvement, equity, accountability and efficiency in water sector development and management.
In November 2001, UNESCO’s 31st General Conference decided to make IHE an integral part of the Organisation. By March 2003, the necessary treaties and agreements between the IHE Delft Foundation, UNESCO and the Government of the Netherlands were signed, allowing for the entry into operation of the new UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education.
UNESCO-IHE is governed by a 13-member Governing Board appointed by the Director General of UNESCO, and is managed by a Director and Deputy Director, both of whom are UNESCO staff members. The IHE Delft Foundation provides all staff and facilities to UNESCO-IHE.