Details of the Working Group
Strategic UN Synergy (SUN) Working Group: Lead by Mojtaba Shafiei
The Strategic UN Synergy (SUN) 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 SUN Working Group – for opportunities to get involved in activities and receive all updates and news.
Click here to subscribe – to receive SUN news and updates only.
SUN Sub-Groups
To advance the mission of the SUN Working Group, three Sub-Groups (SGs) have been established. Each Sub-Group works toward the following overarching goal:
"To review and synthesize information from existing Hydrological Science–Policy–Practice Programs (HSP3) and related best practices led by global and international organizations, and to identify gaps and reciprocal opportunities that enhance synergy and knowledge exchange with IAHS-HELPING goals."
Sub-Groups
SG1: WMO HSP3 Mapping & Synthesis
Chair: Brian Thomas
SG2: UNESCO & UN-Water HSP3 Mapping & Synthesis
Chair: Nazimul Islam
SG3: FAO & World Bank HSP3 Mapping & Synthesis
Chair: Zahra Abdollahi
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 (November 19, 2025)
Recording of the webinar and Presentations:
- Welcome and Introduction, Mojtaba Shafiei, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Norway
- Introduction of the IAHS Science for Solutions Decade, Thom Bogaard, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
- SDGs challenges and solutions for co-creating science-based post-2030 agenda, Prajal Pradhan, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
SUN Newsletter