4^th World Irrigation Forum, 3^rd High Level Advisory Group Meeting and 76^th International Executive Council (IEC) Meeting of International Commission of Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) concluded at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 7-13 September, 2025

The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), established in 1950, is a leading scientific, technical, and professional not-for-profit international organization working in the field of irrigation, drainage, and flood management to promote and achieve sustainable agriculture water management. Membership of the Commission consists of National Committees (NCs) who represent their countries and are organized under the departments responsible for irrigation, drainage or agricultural water management. Through its network of National Committees, Working Groups, and partner organizations, ICID has facilitated the exchange of ideas, dissemination of best practices, and promotion of innovation — all with the aim of achieving water security, food security, and sustainable rural development.

ICID brings together various stakeholders and experts from various disciplines on an international platform to deliberate on technical, agronomic, socio-economic, environmental and managerial complexities for the development, management and operation of irrigation, drainage and flood management works. The aim is to attain sustainable agriculture water management through exchange of experiences, ideas, good practices and promoting them widely among the member countries and stakeholders. As a knowledge hub, ICID through its technical working groups generates knowledge by compiling and collating research data and disseminating them to all stakeholders through various channels.

Nepal is a member country of International Commission of Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) since 2057-01-19 and Nepal National Committee of Irrigation and Drainage (NeNCID) is actively participating different programs organized by ICID. He was a past president of Nepal National Committee of Irrigation and Drainage (NeNCID). He is a member of Asian Regional Working Group (ASRWG) of ICID.

The Fourth World Irrigation Forum (WIF4) together with 3^rd High Level Advisory Group Meeting and the 76^th International Executive Council (IEC) Meeting was held from 7-13 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in cooperation with the Malaysian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (MANCID). The main theme of the WIF4 was "Is Irrigation a Sunset Industry?" with Four Sub-themes:(ST-1): Challenges of irrigation and drainage for food security in the changing world; (ST-2): Technology and modernization in the agricultural sector towards food security; (ST-3): Innovation policy, service delivery, and financing mechanisms to meet the challenges of the future; and (ST-4): Nature-based solutions in agriculture to foster ecological resilience.

From Nepal, total 10 people working in the field of irrigation and drainage actively participated in the program under the leadership of secretary Ms. Sarita Dawadi including the NENCID executive committee members.

Ms. Sarita Dawadi delivered her key note speech in 3rd High Level Advisory Group Meeting and highlighted the theme “Resilient Agriculture for a Secure Future: Modernizing Irrigation, Revitalizing Infrastructure, and Safeguarding Communities.” She further expressed modern irrigation is not an engineering luxury — it is the foundation of food security, rural livelihoods and climate resilience. Where irrigation works are designed, executed and operated reliably focused on food security, increased income and communities are more resilient to climate shocks. In her speech she focused on global challenge of population growth, migration, changing diets, and climate variability. By mid-century food demand will rise sharply while hydrological regimes become more unpredictable. This moment calls for transformation — not piecemeal fixes — in how we manage agricultural water. She further highlighted on current development activities and integrated approach of irrigation development and management in Nepal. In conclution she focused on Resilient irrigation is a public good with local returns: more assured and reliable water delivery, efficient control systems for water saving, modernization of irrigation and agriculture practices higher yields, resolving conflicts, and stronger rural economies. There are number of areas in Nepal for the study and we pledge to accelerate such practical pilot projects, to institutionalize data-driven allocation, and to partner with the development partners, research and the private sectors to scale up solutions.

The International Executive Council (IEC), is the highest decision-making body of ICID. It is vested with the management of the affairs of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. All matters of policy that may be initiated or sponsored by any member National Committee or Office Bearer or by the Management Board comes under its purview. It may itself initiate and determine or otherwise advise and lay down any policies, decisions pertaining to the matters of strategic importance. The Council will also consider what action, if any, need be taken on the recommendations or conclusions of the studies, experiments or discussions organized by the Commission. All matters affecting the executive or administrative functions and financial liabilities of ICID must come up before the Council and its decision shall be conclusive.

Ms. Cristina Clemente Martinez from Spain, Mr. Sanjeeb Baral from Nepal, and Ms. Ester Oyeronke Oluniyi from Nigeria were elected vice-presidents of ICID by the 76th council meeting for the period of three years (2025-2028). From NENCID General Secretary Mr. Basudev Timilsina participated in the 76th International Council Meeting.