Controversial Iranian scientist Kaveh Madani selected for 'Nobel prize of water'

ISLAMABAD: Kaveh Madani, a controversial Iranian political figure and exiled scientist described as the architect of 'water bankruptcy', has been selected for the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for transforming his groundbreaking research into global policy, diplomacy and outreach under extreme personal risk and political complexity.

In a special ceremony held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Wednesday to mark World Water Day, Prof Madani — who serves as director of the UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, the UN's think tank on water — was named the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize recipient.

The award is to be officially presented by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on August 2 during the World Water Week in Stockholm.

Youngest laureate in prize history

Prof Madani, 44, has set multiple records with the honour. He is the youngest laureate in the prize's 35-year history, the first UN official, and the first former Iranian politician to receive the award. Notably, he was previously arrested in Iran on charges of spying for the United States and Israel intelligence network.

The Stockholm Water Prize, often referred to as the 'Nobel Prize of water', recognises outstanding achievements in water-related fields. Prof Madani's selection comes at a time of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, adding further layers of complexity to his already remarkable and turbulent career trajectory.

His work has been recognised for bridging the gap between scientific research and global policy implementation, with the prize committee acknowledging the significant personal risks and political challenges he has navigated throughout his career.

Prof Madani's journey from an Iranian government official — who faced arrest and espionage charges in his home country — to a senior UN position and now the recipient of the world's most prestigious water award underscores the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his professional life.

The award ceremony scheduled for August in Stockholm will formally honour his contributions to the global water sector during the annual World Water Week gathering, which brings together experts, policymakers and stakeholders from around the world.