Groundwater is increasingly recognized as a critical resource at the nexus of water security, climate resilience, and socio-economic development. In a world facing intensifying pressures from population growth, climate change, environmental degradation, and competing water demands, groundwater plays a central role not only in sustaining ecosystems, livelihoods, and economies, but also in fostering cooperation and preventing conflict.
Mexico provides a globally relevant context for this discussion. As one of the world’s major groundwater users, the country faces complex challenges, including aquifer overexploitation, land subsidence, water-quality degradation, and governance conflicts among sectors and regions. These challenges mirror those encountered in many water-stressed regions worldwide, positioning Mexico as an ideal setting for advancing solutions that are both scientifically robust and practically applicable.
Beyond its scientific relevance, Mexico offers a unique setting distinguished by its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and exceptional natural diversity—from arid landscapes and highland regions to tropical ecosystems and coastal environments. This combination of scientific importance and cultural richness makes Mexico an especially attractive and inspiring destination for the global hydrogeological community.
The Congress builds on Mexico’s strong tradition in hydrogeology and international collaboration. It aims to strengthen dialogue among science, policy, industry and society while promoting inclusive participation and strengthening the role of the Global South in shaping the future of groundwater research, management, and governance.
The 54th IAH World Groundwater Congress aims to:
Organized by the IAH and IAH Chapter Mexico
The Congress will convene scientists, practitioners, policymakers, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address groundwater challenges across diverse hydrogeological and socio-economic contexts.
The programme will feature:
The Congress will emphasize interdisciplinary approaches that integrate hydrogeology with governance, technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences. The aim is to move from knowledge to action by developing solutions that are scientifically sound, socially inclusive, and relevant to real-world groundwater challenges.
The 54th IAH World Groundwater Congress will position groundwater as:
By framing groundwater as a tool for peace, the Congress will move beyond traditional technical discussions toward transformative, solution-oriented dialogue that connects science with real-world impact.
The Congress will provide a global platform for building partnerships, sharing knowledge, strengthening cooperation, and advancing solutions for a more water-secure, resilient, equitable, and peaceful future.