Lund University alumnus, Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), has been named the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize laureate, the world’s most prestigious award for outstanding achievements in water.
Professor Madani has been named the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize laureate, in recognition of his unique combination of groundbreaking research on water resources management with policy, diplomacy and global outreach, often under personal risk and political complexity.
Alumni impact: From Lund Student to Global Water Leader
Two decades ago, Professor Madani received a Master’s degree in water resources at Lund University. Today, he leads one of the UN’s key institutes – and in 2024, he played a central role in shaping WICE, the UN‑affiliated track at Lund University. WICE is one of only four such hubs in the world and provides students in water, environment and health with advanced training and access to international internship opportunities.
Award Ceremony in August 2026
The Stockholm Water Prize will be formally presented to Professor Madani by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during the royal ceremony and banquet as part of World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2026. The award includes a cash prize of 1 million SEK and a distinctive crystal sculpture.
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Alumnus Kaveh Madani: From International student to UN Director – The Alumni Network Blog