Details of the Working Group
Strategic UN Synergy (SUN) Working Group: Lead by Mojtaba Shafiei
The Strategic UN Synergy (SUN) Working Group, formerly known as the Strategic UN-Collaboration Working Group, is proposed to support the implementation of the HELPING goals through its dynamic strategic plan. At the core of the SUN WG, we emphasize two inspiring concepts: “Synergy” and “Hydrological Science-Policy-Practice Programs (HSP3)”.
- Synergy refers to the combined effect produced when different stakeholders work together in harmony to achieve a result that is greater than the sum of their individual efforts
- Hydrological Science-Policy-Practice Programs (HSP3) are capacity-building initiatives that facilitate interaction and collaboration between the scientific community, policymakers, and practitioners (including local experts) to address water-related challenges.
Many UN-affiliated organizations run various scientific, policy and practice programs related to climate, hydrology, and water management (i.e. HSP3). Consequently, there is potential to synthesize these HSP3 efforts within the HELPING framework. However, local HSP3 programs also need to be identified, analysed, and aligned with HELPING Goals. To provide better direction and focus for our community initiative, we present a structured vision and mission statement.
Our vision
Supporting the implementation of HELPING goals through synergistic interactions and co-creation processes with both local and global, including UN, hydrological science-policy-practice programs.
Our mission
SUN WG works to cultivate synergies among hydrological science, policy, and practice through facilitation of co-creation, synthesis work, knowledge exchange and capacity-building programs. Aligned with the HELPING goals, our efforts aim to leverage successful initiatives within the United Nations (UN) and local hydrological science-policy-practice frameworks.
Click here to become a member of the working group for opportunities to become involved and receive the SUN newsletter.
Webinar Series
Charting Synergy Solutions in Global Water Agendas: Bridging Local Lessons, Global Challenges, and Post-SDG Future
Water connects nearly all dimensions of sustainable development, including food, energy, ecosystems, health, and climate. Yet, as the 2030 Agenda approaches its deadline, fragmented pathways to water management continue to leave persistent gaps. Every decision about water ripples across multiple systems, raising the question: how can we not only address today’s challenges but also design solutions that remain relevant and resilient for tomorrow?
Sustainable development depends on how effectively we navigate these interconnections. Local realities demonstrate both the potential and the limits of current practices: water authorities, farmers, communities, and municipalities constantly face trade-offs while uncovering hidden synergies across sectors. These lived experiences provide essential lessons for shaping the post-SDG development agenda.
This webinar series, led by the IAHS Strategic UN Synergy (SUN) Working Group, will provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to co-create insights for the post-2030 future within the IAHS-HELPING framework. It will foster dialogue where local experiences interact with global goals, helping to co-develop frameworks and practices that generate synergy solutions, ensuring multiple benefits while minimizing trade-offs.
The series is planned with a three-year horizon, structured around three main themes:
-
-
- Reviewing global water agendas and strategic goals- setting the stage for synergy discussions.
- Tools and approaches to co-create synergy solutions - exploring frameworks, methods, and practices.
- Case studies and local lessons - highlighting real-world examples and bottom-up knowledge.
-
Together, these themes will generate actionable knowledge and propose pathways that bridge science, policy, and practice toward sustainable water futures. The outcomes will be synthesized into papers and policy-relevant briefs feeding into the IAHS-HELPING framework and contributing to international discussions on the post-2030 development agenda.
Webinar 1: SDGs challenges and solutions for co-creating science-based post-2030 agenda
Time and Platform: Mid-November 2025 (details will be announced soon)
Working Group Newsletter