ICIWaRM is a U.S.-based, UNESCO "Category 2" water center. While it is "under the auspices of" UNESCO, it is legally separate, and is operated and funded by the United States. As a water-themed center, ICIWaRM is closely engaged with UNESCO's Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP).

ICIWaRM works globally, emphasizing connections with other IHP-linked centers and university chairs, and is focused on applying science and engineering to water challenges of importance to IHP and its partners. It works through its network of governmental and non-governmental entities. It directly supports IHP's Global Network on Water and Development Information for Arid Lands, or G-WADI, as its Global Technical Secretariat.

The center is hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Institute for Water Resources, in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. More information about our mission, vision, history, partners, leadership and action framework are here.