Water Diplomacy 4.0: Process Matters

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19:00 - 20: 30 CEST, 13:00 - 14:30 EST
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Water Diplomacy 4.0 Relive
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The provision of adequate fresh water resources is one global grand challenge facing society. Although predicted global water wars have not materialized, tension over this natural resource is the norm – particularly in transboundary water systems (TBWS). In TBWS, the need to cooperate is compelling yet problem-solving takes on added dimensions, as every process, policy, decision and action must be approved by at least two different national, subnational and local systems. Oftentimes, power politics at the (sub-)national level overshadow technical water expertise.

This panel discussed the preliminary insights gained from an Incubator Lab hosted by the Global Diplomacy Lab in Berlin in June 2022. Panellists focused on the compelling science that demonstrates the enormity of TBWS challenges; a framework for thinking about water diplomacy 4.0; the compelling case for engaging local stakeholders, rights-holders and youth in managing TBWS challenges; and a proposed diplomatic toolbox for addressing challenges.

 

Speakers:

- Irena Creed, Professor, Vice Principal of Research and Innovation, University of Toronto (Scarborough)

- Elsa Marie D'Silva, Founder and President of Red Dot Foundation Global

 

Moderator:

- Kathryn Friedman, Global Fellow, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Canada Institute)