Prof Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema, executive manager for SADC WaterNet and extraordinary professor at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, has been elected the secretary-general of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS).

Prof Onema's election, which took place during the 28th International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics in Berlin, Germany, marks a momentous occasion in the history of IAHS. He is the first African to hold this significant position since the association's inception 101 years ago.

This achievement is a testament to his exceptional expertise and contributions to the scientific community.

The IAHS, with its vast and diverse membership of more than 10 000 professionals from 152 countries, plays a vital role in advancing the understanding of hydrological processes worldwide.

With Prof Onema at the helm, the association is poised to benefit from his visionary leadership and rich experience, fostering collaboration and progress in the field of hydrological sciences on a global scale.

Prof Onema says he has been involved with the IAHS for almost 20 years.

“I was first elected as an officer of the International Commission of Water Resources Systems, one of the 11 commissions of the IAHS, in July 2019 in Montreal, Canada,” he adds.

“To be the first African to be elevated to this position says a lot about the direction the association is taking – resolutely moving from sciences for the people to sciences with the people.”

He says he is humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of steering the worldwide community of scientists and practitioners.

“This shows the increased readiness of African institutions such as WaterNet and the NWU in playing a leading role in providing science-based solutions to emerging and topical global water problems. I have no doubt that the scientific capital from across the African continent will meaningfully add value to the IAHS.”

 Prof Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema.