Water diplomacy, a tool for climate action?
Many transboundary water basins around the world are facing climate-related challenges that will intensify in the decades to come, potentially contributing to insecurity and fragility. Adaptation will be important for ensuring sustainable development and political stability; in turn, these are preconditions for countries to be able to adapt to a changing climate while meeting their Paris and Agenda 2030 goals. Water diplomacy can help prevent and resolve current and potential conflicts over water resources. However, a comprehensive understanding of the conditions under which specific diplomatic tools have been successfully used to this end – and how they can address broader development and security challenges - is missing.
This session discussed under what conditions water diplomacy can contribute to broader regional cooperation beyond water. After an introductory keynote, it featured a panel discussion bringing together experts from the water, climate change and diplomacy and security communities to discuss how diplomatic tools can be used to advance climate and security goals, with examples from the Central Asian region and the Mekong basin.
Program
Welcome – Beatrice Mosello, adelphi
Introduction: “Emerging trends in water diplomacy” – Susanne Schmeier, IHE Delft
Panel discussion: “How has water diplomacy been used to advance climate and security goals?”
Moderation Beatrice Mosello, adelphi
Speakers Aaron Salzberg, University of North Carolina
Anoulak Kittikhoun, Mekong River Commission
Dinara Ziganshina, SIC ICWC in Central Asia
Aaron Wolf, Oregon State University
Q&A
Concluding remarks – Aaaron Wolf, Oregon State University
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Related:
Read here the summary of last year's World Water Week side-event 'Analytical tools for identifying water conflict risks'.
Watch this interview on the 'Water, Peace and Security Partnership' with Dr. Susanne Schmeier (IHE Delft) at the Planetary Security Conference 2019: