Who we are

The International Seminar on Water Culture is an academic exchange event initiated and organized by the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR). The first three seminars welcomed dozens of experts and scholars from Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa. They exchanged ideas on topics such as "Inheritance and Innovation of Water Culture," "Water and Environment in Human Traditional Cultures," and "Tracing Water Civilizations - Wisdom and Culture in Hydraulic Heritage." Each seminar was broadcast live worldwide, garnering significant attention and promoting international exchanges and cross-cultural dialogues on water culture.

The 4th seminar coincides with several key milestones, including the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's key directives on water resources protection at the fifth meeting of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs on 14 March 2014, marking the initial phase of implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the successful inscription of China's Grand Canal on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This seminar aims to promote the implementation of national cultural strategies, further the advancement of water culture, and share China's experience in water culture building with the world. It seeks to promote global exchange, enhance academic cooperation, and strengthen water culture research, all while offering China's cultural wisdom to support global water governance. Ultimately, the seminar will open a new chapter in the continued evolution of water culture.