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Dr. Marco Arcieri is presently the Secretary General of the Italian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ITAL-ICID). In his professional career spanning more than 25 years, he has contributed to various studies and research in agricultural water management, land and water resources development, irrigation and drainage, flood prevention, drought monitoring, forecasting and mitigation. With his wide expertise, he has visited around 40 countries in order to implement International research projects and to attend Advanced Professional Specialization Courses. From 1996-2002 he worked as a Researcher with the Department of Crop Yield University of Basilicata, Italy as a researcher, working on aspects connected with Crop Yield and Productivity. From 2002-2006, he attended the Department of Crop Systems, Forestry and Environmental Sciences of University, Italy, wherein he completed his Ph.D.
His activity has been focused on the study of social and economic characteristics of agriculture in irrigated areas, in order to provide technical assistance to farmers on irrigation, within the framework of Research Projects co-financed by EU, the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Public Works. He has been a member of ICID since 2008 and was elected as Vice President of ITAL-ICID in 2011. He is being appointed by ICID as the Permanent Observer to UN Agencies FAO and IFAD. Since April 2017, he is the representative within the Global Framework on Water Scarcity (GFWS) now WASAG - an International initiative coordinated and fostered by UN FAO to cope with water scarcity under the threat of climate change. He is also a member of the Interim Steering Committee and Focal Point for the Working Group on Sustainable Use of Water Resources of WASAG led by ICID. Dr. Arcieri is also a member of the FAO-WWC driven initiative Water Accounting in Agriculture and Head of the Regional Node for the Mediterranean Area within the International Research Program for Irrigation and Drainage (IRPID) Program of ICID.
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The 7th Eurasian Conference "RISK-2025" was held on the base of the Azerbaijan State University of Petroleum and Industry.: "Risk-based infrastructure design and operation. Systems: a paradigm of sustainability" in Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan), from October 21 to 23, 2025. The conference discussed current research on the interdependence of infrastructure systems in terms of sustainable development, security risks caused by natural, technological and intentional threats.
The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, together with the A.N. Kostyakov Federal Research Center VNIIGiM, organized the Panel Session "Food Security Risks and New Technologies in Land Reclamation" within the framework of this conference. The moderators are Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, Italy and Dr. Irina Bondarik, VPH ICID, Leader Researcher at the FRC VNIIGiM. The session featured 28 papers from 9 countries on food security in connection with climate change and the use of new resource-saving technologies.
The organizers and participants of the conference stated the importance of establishing an organic link between minimizing the risks of climate change, emergencies and sustainable development of countries, involving all stakeholders and the general public in risk analysis, assessment and management; fully support the further development of innovative positions within the framework of multilateral and regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices and technologies to achieve sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
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ICID President Dr. Marco Arcieri participated in a national workshop organized by the Italian National Committee, Italy at Ministry of Agriculture, Sala Cavour, Rome on 9 January 2026. In the workshop Dr. Marco Arcieri also delivered the presentation on the “History of Irrigation in Italy: From Phoenicians to present day time”
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ICID President Visited UNESCO Regional Office, Beijing, China (18 November 2025)
On the aft
ernoon of November 18, Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), accompanied by Dr. Wu Wenyong, Secretary-General of the Chinese National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, visited UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia (UNESCO Beijing) and held talks with its Director, Prof. Shahbaz Khan. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on future cooperation in areas such as water resources management, irrigation and drainage, and cultural heritage protection, exploring ways to jointly promote the sustainable use and development of global agricultural water resources.
During the meeting, Dr. Marco Arcieri expressed ICID’s strong commitment to deepening cooperation with UNESCO. He highlighted the potential for strengthened collaboration in the identification, protection, and promotion of World Heritage Irrigation Structures, noting that these heritage sites not only represent outstanding examples of human ingenuity but also offer valuable insights for modern sustainable water resources management. Dr. Arcieri also invited UNESCO Beijing to take a more active role in the upcoming major international events organized by ICID and its Chinese National Committee, aiming to jointly advance technical exchanges and knowledge sharing in the global irrigation and drainage sector. In addition, he proposed initiatives such as ICID’s application to become an observer unit of UNESCO.
Prof. Shahbaz Khan welcomed the delegation and spoke highly of the achievements made by ICID and its Chinese National Committee in advancing irrigation and drainage technologies and ensuring food security. He emphasized that UNESCO possesses extensive experience and resources in water-related education, scientific research, and the protection of water-related cultural heritage, expressing his eagerness to engage in practical cooperation with ICID in these areas. Prof. Khan stated that UNESCO Beijing is willing to actively serve as a bridge, supporting and participating in relevant international events, and jointly promoting capacity building, knowledge dissemination, and public awareness in water resources management. Such efforts, he noted, will contribute to achieving the water-related goals outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
During a recent visit to Jordan, Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), held high-level discussions aimed at fostering collaboration in water management, irrigation development, and capacity building in the Arab region.
At the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center on the Dead Sea, Dr. Arcieri met with Dr. Khaldoun Kashman, Secretary General of the Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA). The two leaders explored avenues for strategic cooperation between ICID and ACWUA in areas such as integrated water resources management, professional training programs, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer. The meeting underscored the mutual commitment of both organizations to enhancing regional capacities and addressing the growing water challenges in arid and semi-arid regions.
In Amman, Dr. Arcieri also had the honor of meeting His Excellency Eng. Khaled Hniefat, Minister of Agriculture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The discussions centered on strengthening Jordan’s engagement with ICID and identifying potential pathways for collaboration in the development and modernization of irrigation systems. Dr. Arcieri emphasized ICID’s readiness to support Jordan’s national priorities through technical expertise, global partnerships, and collaborative research.
These meetings reflect ICID’s broader vision of deepening international cooperation, particularly with countries in water-scarce regions, and advancing sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural practices. Dr. Arcieri’s visit reaffirms ICID’s role as a global facilitator of dialogue, innovation, and inclusive development in the water and irrigation sectors.
The 5th International Baghdad Water Conference and the 11th International Micro Irrigation Conference were held from May 24 to May 26, 2025, in Baghdad, Iraq. The event was organized under the patronage of the Iraqi Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, and hosted by the Ministry of Water Resources. The conference aimed to address critical water resource management challenges in the region, with a focus on sustainable development and technological innovation.
Key Highlights:
- Theme: "Water and Technology: A Partnership for Development"
- Participants: The conferences saw broad participation from Arab and foreign countries, alongside governmental and non-governmental figures, experts, and researchers in water-related fields.
- Discussions: Key topics included precision irrigation, the application of modern technologies in water resource management, and strategies to address water scarcity and climate change.
- Commitments: The Iraqi government pledged to implement the outcomes of the conferences, emphasizing the importance of joint cooperation and practical solutions to ensure water security.
- Follow-Up: A Water, Peace and Security Symposium was held on May 27, 2025, to discuss how the outcomes of the conferences can contribute to inclusive, integrated, and informed responses to water-related instability in southern Iraq.
The event was graced by the presence of several high-ranking dignitaries, including H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq; Mr. Aun Dhiab Abdullah, Minister of Water Resources, Iraq; Mr. Abdul Latif Rasheed, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Iraq; Mr. Faleh Al-Khazaali, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Marshes; Mr. Daniel Hunn, Ambassador of Switzerland to Iraq; Mr. Jacob Waslander, Envoy of the Netherlands; and Dr. Annukka Lippone, Chief Specialist on Water Resources Management.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of ICID, delivered the inaugural speech. In a special session held during the Conference, Dr. Arcieri and Dr. R.K. Gupta, Secretary General of ICID, gave presentations on the topics "Turning Adversaries into Opportunities" and "Best Irrigation Practices," respectively. Dr. Arcieri also served as a panelist in sessions organized by FAO and ICBA.
ICID President Dr. Marco Arcieri participated in the 93rd Annual General Meeting and the 28th Congress ICOLD), held from 16–23 May 2025 in Chengdu, China, May 2025
The high-level international event was attended by several distinguished Chinese officials, including H.E. Mr. Wang Bao'en, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR); H.E. Mr. Wan Jinson, Vice-Director of the National Energy Administration; and the Deputy Mayor of the Chengdu Municipal People's Government. The event also saw the participation of representatives from international hydropower companies and sister organizations across the globe.
This premier international forum brought together global leaders, experts, and practitioners in dam engineering and water resources management to share knowledge, discuss innovations, and enhance multilateral cooperation.
Dr. Arcieri’s presence enriched the proceedings, underscoring ICID’s continued commitment to sustainable and resilient water management worldwide. During the event, Dr. Arcieri held meetings with H.E. Mr. Li Guoying, Minister of Water Resources of China, and H.E. Mr. Wang Bao'en, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR). Their discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation in the fields of irrigation, water resources management, and climate-resilient agriculture. They also explored opportunities for technical exchange, joint research, and active engagement of China in ICID’s global initiatives and platforms
During the opening ceremony, a major milestone was marked by the official signing of the “Chengdu Declaration on Dams and Reservoirs for Energy Transition and Adaptation to Climate Change.”
The Chengdu World Declaration acknowledges the increasing demand for water and energy driven by population growth and highlights the impact of human activity on global warming, which is contributing to extreme weather events and changes in water availability. The Declaration emphasizes that storage reservoirs play a vital role in flood mitigation and drought resilience.
Importantly, the Declaration underlines that decarbonizing the global economy is difficult without dams. Hydroelectric projects offer essential flexible energy storage, which is crucial to stabilizing power grids increasingly reliant on intermittent renewable energy sources.
The Declaration calls for a better understanding of the lifecycle impacts of dams, including the importance of prevention and mitigation strategies to ensure sustainability. It stresses that both the positive and negative impacts of dams must be carefully assessed and managed.
To guide future efforts, the Chengdu Declaration outlines 10 key recommendations, supported and endorsed by major international organizations, including:
• The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD)
• The International Hydropower Association (IHA)
• The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID)
• The World Water Council (WWC)
• The International Energy Agency Technology Collaboration Program on Hydropower (HYDRO)
• L’Institut Méditerranéen de l’Eau (IME)
By signing the Declaration, these organizations have pledged their commitment to advancing sustainable water infrastructure solutions for climate adaptation and energy transition.
A Global Platform for Exchange
The ICOLD Congress is widely recognized as the most professional and influential academic gathering in the field of dam engineering. It advocates for global collaboration, strengthening multilateral ties and advancing the shared goal of “Better Dams for a Better World.”
As part of the Congress, a major international symposium was held, serving as a key platform for technical exchange. Experts and scholars from all continents delivered thematic presentations and shared cutting-edge academic research on topics such as:
• Precautionary management of dams and river basins under climate change
• Multifunctional development of dams and reservoirs
• Advanced technologies for dam design and construction in extreme conditions
• Application of digital technology in dam operations and digital river basin management
The event significantly enhanced opportunities for international technical cooperation, elevated global collaboration in reservoir and dam development, and contributed to the global advancement of dam technologies.
The Department of Water Resources and Irrigation (DWRI), Government of Nepal, in collaboration with the Nepal National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NeNCID), successfully organized a one-day national seminar titled “Irrigation Seminar 2025: Water for Agri-Food System Transformation” on 15 May 2025 in Kathmandu.
The event was co-hosted in collaboration with the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Centre for Applied Research and Development (CARD) at the Institute of Engineering (IoE). This high-level seminar brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including ministers, senior government officials, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and development partners from the fields of irrigation, water resources, and agriculture.
The primary objective of the seminar was to explore strategic pathways for transforming Nepal’s agri-food systems through enhanced irrigation and water resource management. The event featured over 30 poster presentations, showcasing innovative research, technological advancements, and practical solutions in irrigation, water management, and agriculture.
The seminar was formally inaugurated by Mr. Dipak Khadka, Honorable Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Government of Nepal. In his inaugural address, Minister Khadka reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to prioritizing irrigation and water resource development in national policies and budget allocations.
Mr. Marco Arcieri, President of ICID, delivered a keynote speech highlighting global advancements in irrigation technologies and the critical need for smarter water management practices to enhance efficiency and productivity in the sector.
Mr. Madhav Belbase, former Vice President of ICID and current Honorable Member of Nepal’s Public Service Commission, emphasized the need to rethink traditional irrigation planning approaches to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience of irrigation systems in Nepal.
Mr. Sanjeeb Baral, Director General of DWRI, shared key reform initiatives currently underway in Nepal’s irrigation sector. These include efforts to strengthen collaboration with the agricultural sector to enhance food security and improve the overall efficiency of irrigation systems.
In another keynote address, Dr. Mark Smith, Director General of IWMI, explored the role of water systems in driving agri-food system transformation, drawing on global research-for-development experiences. He highlighted integrated approaches and innovative practices essential for building climate-resilient agriculture.
Prof. Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari, Vice President of the National Planning Commission of Nepal, spoke on the interlinkages between agricultural performance and national economic growth. He stressed that agriculture cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader economy and highlighted the “lost opportunities” caused by underperformance in the agricultural sector. While agriculture’s share in GDP may be declining, its value and interconnectedness with other economic sectors continue to grow.
The seminar featured a series of expert presentations and interactive group discussions, with a strong focus on the role of irrigated agriculture in increasing crop productivity. A panel discussion was held to identify actionable strategies for integrating irrigation development with other agricultural inputs to enhance food security and resilience.
The seminar concluded with a summary of key takeaways presented by Dr. Santosh Kaini, Deputy Director General of DWRI. He emphasized the need for integrated, cross-sectoral collaboration and evidence-based planning as vital components for achieving sustainable transformation of Nepal’s agri-food systems.
