The UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Security at the Institute of Environment is charged with bringing together research and education to address regional, national and global water security issues, through innovative interdisciplinary research and partnerships for sustainability.
Upcoming Events
The Florida International University (FIU) Institute of Environment (IoE) and the Organization of American States (OAS), in partnership with UNESCO, invite you to attend the International Water Security Conference: Addressing Emergent Water Quality Threats, to take place on May 20–21, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The event is organized by the OAS Department of Sustainable Development and the FIU-UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Water Security, and it is hosted at the OAS headquarters (Red Building) located at 1889 F St NW Washington, DC 20006, USA.
Water quality is vital for water security but it is threatened by pollutants from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban waste. Furthermore, the water sector is increasingly targeted by cyberintruders. The global challenges affecting water quality that will be discussed include population growth, urban expansion, decaying infrastructure, cybersecurity, algae blooms, among others. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C., as we jointly explore sustainable solutions to these critical issues.
About the Chair
Dr. Maria C. Donoso is the founding Chair-holder. Under the guidance and coordination of the Chair-holder, the Chair is to serve as a vehicle to further expand and share the experience gained over the last decade by the institute in water security and sustainability through programs such as GLOWS (Global Water for Sustainability), led by FIU and executed in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Caucasus.
Dr. Rita Teutonico is the vice-chair.
Coordinating Unit and Host: Institute of Environment
Co-hosts: Applied Research Center, Kimberly Green Latin American
Results
A results-based management approach is used to monitor and guarantee the success of planned activities and mainstream results within the institution and abroad.
Overall Activities
- Integrating applied research
- Supporting
development of innovative technologies and methods for sustainable water security - Provisioning capacity-building actions and training, workshops, conferences, knowledge sharing cooperation, and publications
- Promoting, building and strengthening partnerships for water security
- Bridging the science-policy interface
- Additional activities through the International Program
Contact
Dr. Maria C. Donoso
UNESCO Chair-holder
Institute of Environment
College of Arts, Sciences & Education
Florida International University
3000 NE 151 St, AC1 200
Miami, FL 33181 USA
Tel. +1-305-919-4115
mcdonoso@fiu.edu