Kaveh Madani Wins 2026 Stockholm Water Prize
Kaveh Madani, director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Stockholm Water Prize for his groundbreaking work on water conservation and management. He is notably the youngest recipient and recognized for combining research with diplomacy and public outreach.
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Overview
Kaveh Madani has been honoured with the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize announced at UNESCO headquarters ahead of World Water Day. At 44, he is the youngest laureate in the prize’s history and the first United Nations official and former politician to receive it.
Scientific Contributions
Madani introduced the concept of "water bankruptcy" to describe long-term systemic water scarcity affecting major river basins and aquifers globally. His work combines game theory and decision science to offer solutions for water resource management and conflict resolution.
Career Challenges
Despite political adversity and exile from Iran, Madani continued his academic research abroad and now leads UNU-INWEH, advancing global water diplomacy and public awareness.
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