Water for Peace – A Canadian Approach to Water Diplomacy and Environmental Peacebuilding

Bashar Alshawwa, C-Space Group Conflict Resolution (Canada)

As a Canadian-based Water Diplomat and longtime peacebuilder, I see water not only as a vital resource but as a powerful entry point for dialogue, justice, and reconciliation. In today’s climate of polarization, inequality, and environmental crisis, water can either deepen divisions or bring people together. My “Water for Peace” strategy is a Canadian contribution to environmental peacebuilding, positioning water as a tool to bridge communities and foster long-term cooperation. Grounded in both Indigenous knowledge and scientific practice, this approach addresses systemic inequalities in water access across Canada, especially in marginalized and Indigenous communities, while also responding to international examples like the weaponization of water in Gaza. By supporting youth engagement, swimmable cities, and dialogue-based frameworks, the strategy aims to help Canadians lead locally while contributing globally. This session will explore how Canada can strengthen its role in water diplomacy and help shape a more peaceful, sustainable world through shared water stewardship.