FONPLATA – Development Bank and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in sustainable water resource management, capacity building, and climate resilience, in Latin America.

This strategic partnership aims to promote joint initiatives in FONPLATA’s five member countries—Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—by leveraging IHE Delft’s internationally recognized expertise in water education, research, and innovation.

Through this MoU, FONPLATA and IHE Delft commit to collaborating on

• Capacity development in water and sanitation: Strengthening training programs, professional exchange, and technical capacity-building initiatives.
• Joint research: carrying out collaborative research on water-related challenges and sustainable development in the region.
• Knowledge exchange and academic collaboration: Enhancing partnerships between researchers and practitioners, knowledge-sharing, and technology transfer.
• Public engagement: Participating in or organizing national and international events that contribute to policy dialogue and sector-wide improvements.

The MoU also includes commitments from both institutions. FONPLATA will explore funding options for specialized training for executing agencies, integrate IHE Delft’s expertise in relevant projects, and promote sustainable water use. IHE Delft, in turn, will make its advisory services and alumni network available to support FONPLATA’s initiatives and encourage student research aligned with regional needs.

“FONPLATA seeks to be more than a financier—we aim to be a catalyst for innovation and a strategic partner for our countries as they face the complex challenges of water and sanitation. This agreement with IHE Delft strengthens our ability to connect global knowledge with local action, driving forward practical, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that improve lives across the region.”, said Viviana Gonzalez, Vice-President of Strategic Development of FONPLATA at the signing.

“By joining forces with FONPLATA, IHE Delft’s capacity development programs will have greater reach in South American countries. The Institute already has a large alumni network and many ongoing projects in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This cooperation agreement creates new opportunities for knowledge sharing, research and sustainable water governance projects in the región,” said Eddy Moors IHE Delft Rector.

About IHE Delft

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, operating under the auspices of UNESCO and based in the Netherlands, is the world’s largest graduate water education facility. Specializing in education, research, and development in the field of water, its mission is to contribute to the advancement of sustainable water resource management, especially in developing countries. Since 1957, IHE Delft has trained over 25,000 water professionals from more than 190 countries and generated knowledge in areas such as water resources engineering, environmental management, and water technology innovation. The Institute collaborates with international organizations, governments, and local communities to address challenges related to water scarcity, climate change, and water security.

07/04/2025