The GEF IW Conference objectives were to facilitate cross-sectoral and portfolio-wide learning and experience sharing. The IWC8 theme was “Scaling Up GEF IW Investments from Source to Sea and Beyond in the Context of Achieving the SDGs”. The IWC8’s objective was to facilitate experience sharing across the GEF International Waters portfolio, with a special emphasis on burning issues, and to assist in building participant capacity in key management and technical areas. Participants sum up progress achieved and also look to the future of programming within and beyond the GEF IW focal area.

UNECE presented in the session “Modern Data and Tools for International Waters” (Monday 9 May, 14.30-16.00), also in the session "Basin Tradeoffs and Environmental Flows", where was presented "Assessing the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus in transboundary basins: the example of the Alazani-Ganykh" basin (Monday 9 May, 16.30).

UNECE gave a speech in the closing part of the session "Interactive Event on SDGs", in particular about indicator 6.5.2 (Thursday 12 May – 9:15).

UNECE organized a session on “Sustaining Regional Institutions in LME, Groundwater and Freshwater” (Thursday 12 May – 14:30-16:00).

UNECE presented in the session “Economic Valuation” (Thursday 12 May – 16:00-18:00) organized by UNIDO, about assessing benefits of transboundary cooperation.