CREST & UNU-Hub at CCNY-R-SIRUS Celebrate World Water Day 2026

The City University of New York Remote Sensing Earth System Institute (CUNY CREST) and the United Nations University Hub at The City College of New York-Remote Sensing for Sustainable Innovation and Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS) joined celebrations for World Water Day, reflecting on the theme of Water and Gender Equality, at the United Nations headquarters in New York on March 19, 2026.

Representing CREST and R-SIRUS were Dr. Reza Khanbilvardi (Director of CUNY CREST and Co-Executive Director of R-SIRUS), Dr. Karin Sjöstrand (Deputy Executive Director of Operations at R-SIRUS), and Dr. Naresh Devineni (CREST faculty affiliate and Professor of Civil Engineering at CCNY)

In his panel remarks, Dr. Khanbilvardi emphasized that water is not just a resource but a system connecting climate, infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities. He highlighted that inequitable access to water disproportionately affects women and girls, and that inclusive, gender-responsive approaches are critical to ensure equitable solutions. Dr. Khanbilvardi also underscored the importance of translating research into policy, training the next generation of scientists to be technically strong, globally aware, and engaged with real-world challenges, and fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships to accelerate progress toward sustainable and inclusive water management.

At the UNU-Hub at CCNY-R-SIRUS and CREST, we are dedicated to using remote sensing, Earth system observations, and data science to better understand water systems, assess risks, and support resilient, sustainable urban solutions. Ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and equity in water management, ensuring that science translates into meaningful impact for communities worldwide.