Professor Kaveh Madani has been awarded the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize for his transformative contributions to water management and his pioneering work in integrating game theory and decision analysis into water resources models. His research has challenged the assumption of perfect cooperation in human-water systems, demonstrating why technically optimal solutions often fail when real-world incentives and institutional constraints are not considered. By incorporating human behaviour into water modelling, Madani has advanced understanding of water conflict and governance, especially in regions with limited trust and cooperation.
Madani is also widely recognized for developing the concept of “water bankruptcy,” a framework that redefines water crises as chronic, systemic, and irreversible. In his 2026 report on Global Water Bankruptcy, he highlighted the growing number of river basins and aquifers that are no longer experiencing temporary shocks but are permanently altered. This shift has led Madani to emphasise "bankruptcy management" over crisis response, guiding global discussions toward long-term adaptation, justice, and sustainability in water governance.
"This recognition is a humbling honor," Madani said. "Water is a shared vulnerability that can unite us despite growing fragmentation in the world. I dedicate this award to my students, colleagues, mentors, and my fellow Iranians, whose resilience continues to inspire me."
As the leader of UNU-INWEH (United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health), Madani has strengthened the institute's role in global policy dialogues on water security, climate adaptation, and human security. Under his leadership, UNU-INWEH has expanded its influence, advancing water-related research and fostering international collaborations.
"Professor Madani exemplifies the United Nations University's mission by turning scientific insight into practical solutions for water security," said Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of UNU. "His leadership has redefined how societies view water scarcity, and his work has had a profound impact on global water governance."
The Stockholm Water Prize, established in 1991, is awarded annually to individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions to water-related issues
Before joining UNU, Madani had a distinguished career in academia, public service, and international diplomacy, holding positions at Imperial College London, Yale University, and the University of Central Florida. In Iran, he served as the Deputy Head of the Department of Environment and led the country's climate change negotiations. He currently serves as a research professor at the City University of New York’s Remote Sensing Earth Systems Institute (CUNY CREST) and chairs UNU’s Sustainability Nexus Analytics Programme.
"Madani's pioneering work on water governance, including his concept of ‘water bankruptcy,’ and his commitment to societal outreach have made him a global leader in the field," said Professor Vincent Boudreau, President of City College of New York. "We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition."
The Stockholm Water Prize, established in 1991, is awarded annually to individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions to water-related issues. The prize will be formally presented to Professor Madani during World Water Week in Stockholm in 2026.
Anette Scheibe Lorentzi, Chair of the Stockholm Water Foundation, congratulated Madani for his invaluable contributions. "In the face of climate change, his work has provided critical insights into the complexities of water management, which are more crucial than ever."
The 2026 UNU-INWEH report, which introduced the concept of water bankruptcy, reveals that many of the world’s water systems are irreversibly damaged. The overuse of rivers, lakes, and aquifers has led to a state where recovery is no longer possible. This "post-crisis" phase, driven by human actions such as over-extraction and pollution, requires a shift away from crisis management to a focus on long-term adaptation strategies.
The report stresses that nearly three-quarters of the global population lives in water-insecure regions, with far-reaching consequences for agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. Water insecurity has become a global issue with the potential to cause conflict and social unrest.
The solution lies in a more integrated approach to water governance, where water is treated as a critical global resource that demands international cooperation. The upcoming UN Water Conferences in 2026 and 2028 present opportunities to set a new course for global water management, moving beyond outdated crisis-response models to sustainable solutions.
