THE Congo Basin Forum 2025, which will be held in Kinshasa from June 10 to 13, 2025, will focus on the central theme: “Unlocking the potential of water resource services to achieve sustainable development in the Congo Basin”This event aims to bring together researchers, policy makers, managers and users to discuss the latest scientific advances concerning the water resources of this basin, while promoting initiatives for their sustainable management.

THE Congo Basin, the second largest river basin in the world after the Amazon, plays a crucial role in regulating atmospheric humidity and carbon budgets globally. It is also a vital source for agriculture, hydropower generation, food security, transportation, and biodiversity conservation. However, the basin faces many challenges, including climate change, deforestation, pollution from mining activities, and a lack of scientific data and adequate infrastructure.

Objectives of the Forum:

The 2025 Forum aims to:

• Disseminate the results of research conducted in the Congo Basin.
• Assess the state of current knowledge and scientific advances concerning water resources.
• Promote mutual learning among different stakeholders and share experiences from other major river basins around the world.
• Stimulating partnerships and investments in water resources research

Key themes:

The forum will cover six main themes:

1. Water, climate, forests, biodiversity and carbon.
2. Water and energy.
3. Water and navigation.
4. Water, agriculture and food security.
5. Water supply, hygiene and sanitation.
6. Water, society and governance.

These themes will allow the exploration of innovative methods such as the use of remote sensing, artificial intelligence, as well as quantitative and qualitative approaches to better understand and manage water resources in the context of the Congo Basin.

Expected results:

Among the expected results, we note:

• New directions for the development of science in the basin.
• The commitment of public and private partners to invest in water resources research.
• Strengthened collaboration at the regional level for better management of these resources

Enriched by training sessions for young researchers and professionals, this forum aims to be a landmark event in the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of sustainable solutions for the Congo Basin.