Webinar on “Hydrogovernance in Afghanistan” (Second in an Occasional Series of Discussions on Environment, Conflict, and Peace in Afghanistan)

Sep 27, 2019 | Environmental Peacebuilding Association
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This webinar will take a closer look at current issues relating to water, security and peacebuilding in Afghanistan. Following on the topics discussed in our first webinar, this event will provide an informal discussion into hydrogovernance in Afghanistan with the former Deputy Minister for Finance and Administration of the Ministry Energy and Water of Afghanistan, Dr. Mara Tignino, and Elizabeth Hessami, J.D., LL.M. 

Climate change and the direct and indirect environmental consequences of prolonged warfare in Afghanistan have taken a toll on the nation’s water infrastructure. Deforestation has increased flash flooding in many Afghan provinces this year. Rising temperatures due to climate change are exacerbating the situation, and this is all occurring as Afghanistan is attempting a bold economic recovery after four decades of armed conflict in an unstable political environment.

Huge investments are needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, the annual investment needed to improve infrastructure (water, agriculture, transport, and power) in Afghanistan has been calculated at $ 7 trillion globally. Maintaining peace is essential for achieving the global targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. International law, including instruments and principles of international environmental law and international water law, provides an important framework to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Please join us for a lively discussion.

Date: 27 September 2019, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM EDT

Participants: Former Deputy Minister Abdul Basir Azimi, Mr. Abdul Basir Azimi is an Advisor to H.E. the Chief Executive of Afghanistan on Commerce and Regional Cooperation and Head of Coordination Units of Executive Committees of Ministers Council of Afghanistan, PMP Instructor of American University of Afghanistan, and a Research Fellow.

Dr. Mara Tignino, Dr. Mara Tignino is Reader within the Faculty of Law and the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of Geneva, in Geneva, Switzerland and Lead Legal Specialist of the Platform for International Water Law at the Geneva Water Hub. She is also Co-Chair of the Water Interest Group of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association.

Moderator: Elizabeth Hessami, J.D., LL.M., Elizabeth B. Hessami, J.D., LL.M., is an Adjunct Professor of International Environmental Policy for The Johns Hopkins University, Environmental Governance for Linfield College, and a Visiting Attorney at the Environmental Law Institute.