CUNY CREST Research Professor, Kaveh Madani Named 2026 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate
NEW YORK, NY- Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of the UNU-INWEH and Research Professor at the City University of New York Remote Sensing Earth System Institute (CUNY CREST) has been named the 2026 laureate of the Stockholm Water Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious honors recognizing outstanding contributions to water science, policy, and sustainable management. CUNY CREST and the United Nations University Hub at The City College of New York (CCNY)- Remote Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS) proudly celebrate Dr. Madani’s global leadership in advancing water diplomacy, climate resilience, and sustainable governance of the world’s most vital resource.
The Prize, also known as Nobel Prize of Water, is awarded by the Stockholm Water Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and will be formally presented by His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during a royal ceremony held as part of World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2026.
Dr. Madani is internationally recognized for his innovative contributions at the intersection of water science, governance, diplomacy, and public engagement. His research integrating game theory and behavioral decision science into water resources systems modeling has reshaped how scientists and policymakers understand cooperation, conflict, and decision-making in the management of shared water resources.
His widely recognized concept of water bankruptcy has further transformed global discourse on water scarcity by framing unsustainable water use as the systemic over-extraction of natural capital. Expressed in financial terms, the concept has become an influential framework for scientists, policymakers, and the public to understand this new post-crisis condition.
“Being part of CUNY CREST and R-SIRUS provides a powerful platform to bridge science, policy, and community perspectives,” said Dr. Madani. “Through these collaborations, we are advancing inclusive, evidence-based solutions to complex water and sustainability challenges”.
Beyond academia, Dr. Madani’s career includes service at the highest levels of environmental governance and diplomacy. Prior to joining the UNU, he served as Deputy Vice President of Iran and Deputy Head of the country’s Department of Environment, leading national efforts addressing environmental governance, drought management, and water policy reform. He has also played a prominent role in global environmental diplomacy, including serving as Vice President of the UN Environment Assembly Bureau.
“Dr. Kaveh Madani’s recognition with the Stockholm Water Prize is a powerful testament to his leadership in connecting science, policy, and community engagement to tackle the world’s most pressing water challenges,” said Dr. Reza Khanbilvardi, Executive Director of CUNY CREST and Co-Executive Director of R-SIRUS. “As a Research Professor at CREST, Dr. Madani exemplifies the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing sustainable solutions.”
At UNU-INWEH, widely recognized as the United Nations’ global water think tank, Dr. Madani leads international initiatives focused on water diplomacy, climate resilience, gender equity in water governance, and global cooperation on water security. Through public lectures, media engagement, and digital platforms reaching hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, he also helps elevate water security as a central issue in global environmental governance.
Read more from UNU-INWEH, CCNY, and CUNY.
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About CUNY CREST
The CUNY Remote Sensing Earth System Institute (CUNY CREST), based at the City College of New York, is a research institute within the City University of New York dedicated to advancing Earth system science, climate research, and remote sensing to address critical environmental and societal challenges. Learn more.
About the UNU-Hub R-SIRUS
The UNU Hub on Remote-Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS), located at the City College of New York, is committed to enhancing scientific understanding, developing innovative solutions, and preparing a skilled workforce to tackle global challenges related to water, the environment, climate, energy, health, and sustainable development. Learn more.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Ms. Srishti Tyagi,
CREST Communication Manager
styagi@ccny.cuny.edu
