Following recent discussions in Japan with Kuni, Pierre, Andras and Arthur and with your agreement, I would like to establish a Hydrology 2020 Working Group. The idea would need to be agreed formally by the Bureau at Maastricht, but I would hope that with your help, all the arrangements could have been made in advance of Maastricht so that the first meeting of the Group could take place there. The 2020 Group would follow the pattern established by the Hydrology 2000 Working Group which was set up in Hamburg and reported in Vancouver. In this case I would see the 2020 Group reporting at the Scientific Assembly in 2005. IAHS Publication No 171 contains the report of the Hydrology 2000 Working Group, the membership, terms of reference and other details. For the 2020 Group, I propose that each Commission offers me the names of two young hydrologists who are this year aged 35 or less, considering region and gender in the choice. One of these two would be selected to make a Group of nine members. UNESCO and WMO would probably wish to add one name each and for chairman my choice is Professor Taikan Oki of Japan. I hope the Group could have three meetings, including one in Sapporo, but conduct much of its business by email. If you ask why IAHS should have a Hydrology 2020 Working Group, my answer would be that it is a valuable investment for the future of hydrology and the Association. You only have to look at the list of members of the 2000 Working Group to see where they are now to realize this. Although it would not be essential, it might help if the old and new groups met. John