Kaveh Madani (Iranian in exile), Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), has been named the laureate of the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious honors in water research and management.
The award, presented by the Stockholm Water Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, recognizes Madani’s pioneering contributions to global water governance and policy. His work has fundamentally reshaped how governments address water crises, shifting the focus from infrastructure development to strengthening governance systems.
Professor Madani’s research highlights how weak governance structures often lie at the root of severe water challenges. He has also made significant contributions to understanding transboundary water conflicts, promoting science-based solutions for cooperation and sustainable management of shared river basins across nations.
About Stockholm Water Prize
Established in 1991, the Stockholm Water Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organizations for outstanding achievements in water-related fields. The laureate is typically announced around World Water Day on March 22 and formally honored at a royal ceremony during World Water Week held in Stockholm each August.
The award carries a cash prize of 1 million Swedish Kronor (SEK) and a distinctive crystal sculpture.
Source: Stockholm Water Foundation
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