World Science Day for Peace and Development, celebrated each year on 10 November, offers an opportunity to demonstrate how science is relevant to our daily lives and to engage the scientific community, policy makers and the public. This year’s theme, Science for Water Cooperation: Sharing Data, Knowledge and Innovations, highlights the key role played by Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in addressing global water challenges.

Scientific cooperation on water issues is essential to strengthen capabilities for the collection, assessment, and monitoring of water related data (hydrological, hydrobiological, hydrogeological and meteorological data).

Science for water cooperation is not only about scientists: local communities, particularly women and indigenous peoples, are the holders of detailed knowledge of their water resources. They provide innovative approaches for quality and reliability, restrictions and acceptable storage methods and must be involved. By engaging communities and integrating all knowledge, including traditional and indigenous knowledge and the social and human sciences, water cooperation can also contribute to social transformation and to strengthen the social fabric of communities.