The 19th IWHR-KICT Joint Seminar, co-hosted by IWHR and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), was convened in Beijing on October 14, attracting over 70 experts and representatives from both institutes.
It is such a happy reunion as the IWHR-KICT Joint Seminar is resumed in Beijing after six years, noted IWHR President Dr. Peng Jing in her welcome address. She noted that as global climate change intensifies and extreme weather events becomes more frequent and severe, China is actively advancing river governance under the guiding principles of “prioritizing water conservation, balancing spatial distribution, adopting systematic approaches and leveraging the roles of both government and market.” and promoting the National River Strategy.
China is developing a National Water Network that is modern, safe, and resilient, which not only supports the country’s water security but also contributes to global water sustainability, said Dr. Peng. She expressed hope that this year’s seminar would fuel technological innovation in systematic water governance between the two institutes.
Dr. Kang Tai-Kyung, Vice President of KICT and head of the visiting delegation, noted that the seminar provides a crucial platform for sharing scientific advancements in water, environment, and energy sectors, enhancing mutual understanding, expanding research perspectives, and strengthening collaborative innovation to address global water challenges. He also expressed KICT’s commitment to deepening cooperation with IWHR in the future.
This year’s seminar featured four themes, covering:
· National water network/Water resources management planning under climate change;
· Flood control and drought relief empowered by smart technologies;
· Smart dams construction, operation and maintenance; and
· Ambient water environment and ecology.
A total of 11 technical presentations were delivered by experts from both sides, followed by in-depth discussions. The two institutes also exchanged information on international cooperation initiatives and future collaboration plans.
Launched in 2002, the IWHR-KICT Joint Seminar has become a successful bilateral cooperation mechanism between the two institutes, held alternately in China and South Korea each year. With 19 editions, the seminar has played a key role in enhancing talent exchanges, knowledge sharing and international partnership, promoting scientific and technological progress in the water sectors of both countries.
