Water Diplomacy, a Tool for Climate Action?

Aug 24, 2020 | Stockholm International Water Institute and adelphi
online
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In this SIWI World Water Week workshop organised by adelphi and IHE Delft, experts from the diplomacy, development, security, climate change and water communities will discuss the conditions under which specific diplomatic tools can be used by riparian and non-riparian countries to shape regional cooperation to address climate, ad other security and development challenges, such as migration.

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 will discuss under what conditions water diplomacy can contribute to broader regional cooperation beyond water. After an introductory keynote, it will feature 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. Other members of the audience will be encouraged to share their views and experiences.

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

When: 24 August 2020, 13:00-13:45 CET

Where: online