[3] The program is tailored to the needs of UNESCO's 195 Member States and is implemented in six-year phases, allowing it to adapt to the changing world.
It continues to promote and lead international hydrological research, facilitate education and capacity development and enhance governance in water resources management.
[2] The aim of these efforts is to help meet the UN Millennium Development Goals on environmental sustainability, water supply, sanitation, food security and poverty alleviation.
[2][3] The results of this phase aim to be practical so both scientific communities and civil societies can apply and benefit from them.
The committees are run under the authority of National Governments and are responsible for implementing IHP initiatives.