The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, joined hands with the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for Global Environment and Technology (UMSGET) of Pondicherry University, India, and the South Asia Foundation (SAF) to successfully organize the First International Conference on Energy and Water for a Sustainable Environment (ICEWSE 2025). The conference was held on 30^th  September and 01^st October 2025 at the Cultural-Cum-Convention Centre, Pondicherry University, India, under the shared vision of the UNESCO Chairs to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development across South Asia.

The central theme of the conference, “Sustainable Synergies: Advancing Energy and Water Solutions for a Resilient Future,” reflected the growing global recognition of the interconnectedness between energy and water systems and the need for integrated approaches to address sustainability challenges. The event provided a multidisciplinary platform for academics, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and discuss emerging innovations at the intersection of energy and water resource management.

ICEWSE 2025 featured keynote addresses and plenary sessions delivered by eminent scientists and policy experts from South Asia and beyond, followed by a series of technical paper presentations and interactive discussions. These sessions fostered valuable exchanges on technological advancements, policy perspectives, and integrated approaches to building climate resilience and achieving water-energy security.

Adding a rich cultural dimension to the academic proceedings, the conference also included a cultural event that showcased the vibrant artistic traditions. The performances celebrated the shared heritage and diversity of the South Asian region, strengthening the spirit of unity and collaboration that underpins the UNESCO and SAF initiatives.

UMCSAWM delegates, including faculty members and postgraduate researchers from the University of Moratuwa, actively participated in the conference through paper and poster presentations, technical discussions, and networking sessions. Their contributions reflected the Centre’s growing engagement in advancing research on climate resilience, hydrological modelling, and sustainable water management within the South Asian context.

The successful conclusion of ICEWSE 2025 marked a significant milestone in strengthening academic and institutional partnerships between Sri Lanka and India. It reaffirmed UMCSAWM’s continued commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting integrated approaches to water and energy management, and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, affordable energy, and climate action.