New Delhi

In a proud moment for India, Devendra Kumar Sharma, a member of the National Security Advisory Board, has been elected as the new President of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). This election took place through a secret ballot during ICOLD’s 93rd Annual General Assembly and 28th Congress. Mr. Sharma’s tenure will last for three years, from June 2025 to 2028. He secured this position by defeating the candidate from the United States.

ICOLD was established in 1928 in Paris, France, and India became a member of this international organization in 1930. Currently, ICOLD has 107 member countries. Each member country has one vote in the annual general assembly. The organization works to facilitate the exchange of knowledge related to the planning, design, construction, and safety of dams worldwide.

In the 95-year history of India's membership, this is only the second time an Indian has become the President of ICOLD. Previously, Mr. Sharma has also served as the Chairman of the ICOLD Asia-Pacific Group and as Co-Chair of the “World Declaration on the Role of Dams for Energy Transition and Climate Change Adaptation.”

ICOLD aims to ensure that the construction of large dams is done safely, efficiently, economically, and in an environmentally friendly manner. It has 29 technical committees comprising over 600 experts from around the world, who share innovations and knowledge in dam engineering through technical bulletins.

Addressing the General Assembly after the election, Mr. Sharma said that his election from a developing country marks a transformative moment for ICOLD. Sharing his experience—working in both state and central governments, and in the construction of dams and hydroelectric projects—he expressed his commitment to guiding ICOLD in a new direction.

Mr. Sharma's leadership is not only a matter of pride for India but also offers the country a chance to take a leading role on the global stage in dam safety, water resource development, energy transition, and hydroelectric projects. He also emphasized focusing on issues such as gender diversity, inclusion, participation of underrepresented countries, the impacts of climate change, and capacity building.

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Hailing from a small village in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Devendra Kumar Sharma has brought international recognition to India. His election is not only a proud moment for India but also an inspiration for the entire developing world.