Professor Kaveh Madani, Research Professor at the City College of New York (CCNY) and Director of United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), has been awarded the Stockholm Water Prize 2026.
The award will be presented by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during World Water Week (August 2026) in Stockholm.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Award | Stockholm Water Prize 2026 |
| Recipient | Professor Kaveh Madani |
| Current Roles | CCNY Professor; Director, UNU-INWEH |
| Award Ceremony | World Water Week, August 2026 |
| Presenter | King Carl XVI Gustaf (Sweden) |
| Significance | Youngest laureate; first UN official recipient |
Why the Award Matters
- Professor Madani is:
- Youngest laureate (44 years) in the prize’s 35-year history
- First UN official to receive the award
- First former politician among laureates
- His recognition reflects contributions in:
- Water science and policy
- Global water governance
- Public engagement and communication
Academic and Professional Journey
Professor Madani’s career spans academia, policy-making, and global diplomacy:
- Served as:
- Deputy Vice President of Iran
- Deputy Head of Iran’s Department of Environment (2017)
- Later moved into global academia and policy after:
- Facing political backlash and persecution
- Being arrested and forced into exile (2018)
- Continued work at:
- Yale University
- Later became Director of UNU-INWEH (UN’s water think tank)
His journey reflects the intersection of science, governance, and political challenges.
Contributions to Water Science
1. Integration of Game Theory in Water Management
- Introduced game theory and decision analysis into water resource models
- Challenged traditional assumption of cooperation in water sharing
- Highlighted:
- Real-world conflicts
- Non-cooperative behaviour in water governance
- Applications:
- Resolving transboundary water disputes
- Improving policy decision-making
2. Concept of “Water Bankruptcy”
Professor Madani developed the concept of “water bankruptcy”, redefining global water discourse:
- Unlike “water crisis” (temporary), it indicates: Permanent, systemic depletion of water resources
- Key idea:
- Humanity is no longer using renewable water (“interest”)
- It is depleting groundwater reserves (“principal”) irreversibly
- His UN report declared that the world entered “Global Water Bankruptcy” in January 2026
This concept has significantly influenced:
- Global policy debates
- Water governance frameworks
Role in Global Policy and Diplomacy
- Served as: Vice President of UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) Bureau (2017)
- Acted as: Lead environmental diplomat for Iran
- Currently: Promotes water security as key to peace, sustainability, and development
- At COP23 (Bonn):
- Highlighted the lack of focus on water in climate negotiations
- Advocated making water central to climate policy
Public Engagement and Awareness
- Known as:
- “Most followed water scientist in the world” (approx. 1 million followers)
- Uses: Social media, Digital campaigns, Public storytelling
- Contribution:
- Simplified complex scientific ideas
- Encouraged citizen participation and accountability
Stockholm Water Prize
| Aspect | Details |
| Established | 1991 |
| Presented by | Stockholm Water Foundation |
| Collaborator | Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences |
| Patron | King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden |
| Nickname | “Nobel Prize of Water” |
Features of the Prize
- Awarded annually for: Contributions to sustainable water management
- Recognises: Individuals or organisations
- Announcement: Around World Water Day (22 March)
- Ceremony: During World Water Week (August, Stockholm)