Rome, 14 October 2025

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for more efficient, sustainable,  and equitable use of the world’s water resources. The agreement was signed by Ms. Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General, and Mr. Eric Tardieu, Secretary-General of INBO, during the Rome Water Dialogue session on “Impactful Water Solutions”, held as part of the World Food Forum 2025.

This new collaboration reaffirms FAO and INBO’s shared commitment to advancing IWRM at all levels - supporting countries and communities to better manage rivers, lakes, and aquifers. The partnership aims to promote IWRM that bridges the needs of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries - supporting ecosystem-based approaches, better data and knowledge systems, and stronger capacities for basin-level governance.

Aligned with FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, the MoU contributes to global efforts toward better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - notably SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Through this partnership, FAO and INBO look forward to turning this partnership into tangible results - including joint projects, capacity development, and knowledge exchange – to make water management a foundation for sustainable agrifood systems, healthy ecosystems, and lasting resilience in river basins around the world.