THEME I: Issues and challenges of global changes impacts on river basins and aquifer systems

• Assessment methods and indicators of impacts of global change on the hydrological cycle and water resources
• Emerging issues of concern: new pollutants and nanoparticles
• Vulnerability and resilience to episodic hydrological events
• Pressures on groundwater resources: e.g., population growth, climate change, salt water intrusion
• Large water basin transfers
• Demographic changes/population shifts
• The water energy nexus
• Issues and challenges of water scarcity and global changes on agriculture

THEME II: Improving water governance for sustainable responses to water scarcity and global change impacts on water

• Water management economic and financial evaluation tools
• Financing and pricing systems in water production, supply, waste water treatment, and water intended for reuse
• National contemporary policies and legislations
• Global environmental law
• Integrated Water Resources Management: governance and sustainability aspects
• Global citizenship and public participation, the relationships of a population to water
• Transboundary large rivers and aquifer systems management

THEME III: Ecohydrology for sustainability

• Risk-based environmental management under uncertainty and risk mitigation
• Groundwater-dependent ecosystems, protection, remediation, and mitigation strategies (vulnerable systems: coastal areas, islands, wetlands, extreme arid zones, mountain hydrology)
• The sustainable city of the 21st century: new ecohydrological approaches to urban water management responses to global changes and water scarcity

THEME IV: Water and life support systems

• Water quality and public health
• Poverty alleviation and water quality protection in scarce water resources areas, with an emphasis on groundwater vulnerability and sustainable use
• Augmenting scarce water resources, especially for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS)
• Water for human security and community participation
• Strategies to improve the quality of life through water supplies in urban, periurban, informal settlements, rural areas, islands, or coasts subject to water scarcity and population growth

THEME V: Traditional and Innovative techniques and technologies supporting the identification and remediation of water scarcity issues and global change impacts on water resources

• Remote sensing technologies and their applications in developing countries Isotopes applications in hydrology
• Integration of geospatial data for the modeling of natural hazards and hydrological extremes
• Forecasting models and monitoring systems
• Innovative technologies on Managing Aquifer Recharge (MAR)
• Wastewater treatment and reuse, especially through groundwater replenishment, in water scarce regions and rapidly expanding urban areas (e.g. aeration lagoons and constructed wetlands)
• Individual potabilization and sanitation technologies (point-of-use water treatment, desalination, etc.)

THEME VI: Information and communication, education and capacity building

• Information and communication methods and techniques for the integration of science and policy
• Information and communication for public participation: possible solutions and their legal and financial implications
• Enhancing communication between experts and practitioners from different decision levels, disciplines and professions to bridge knowledge and practice for sustainable water management
• Role of NGOs in water sustainability
• Curricula on water scarcity and global changes, adapted to specific target groups
• Capacity building strategies and opportunities to develop specific national and regional capacities at the scientific, managerial and decision-making levels