The Water Convention Secretariat (UNECE) was involved in several sessions at the 10th World Water Forum (18-25 May 2024) in Bali, Indonesia.
The Water Convention Secretariat was the coordinator for Topic Group 4E “Transparent and accountable institutions and legal frameworks, integrity and equity” and contributed to the organization of sessions under sub-theme 4 on “Governance, Cooperation and Hydro-diplomacy”. The Secretariat was involved in the Ministerial Segment, Basin Segment, Parliamentary Session and High-Level Panel 6: “Hydro-diplomacy and peace” as well as several other sessions and side events.
For more information on the relevant sessions, please consult the list below. For more information on the World Water Forum, please consult the official webpage.
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Time & Venue |
Session Details |
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MONDAY 20 MAY |
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13:00-14:30 |
T4A1: Integrating and implementing cooperation at all levels for water for shared prosperity Water scarcity and pollution are global challenges that require a collective effort to address effectively. By working together across borders, sectors, and communities, we can enhance water management practices, promote equitable access to clean water, and foster sustainable development. |
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14:50-16:20 |
T4E1: Transparent and accountable public participation for water management: where do we stand in national and international law? This session provides an opportunity to analyse current trends, challenges and innovative thinking in national and international water laws and institutions at different scales for the involvement of non-state actors, including vulnerable and marginalised groups, in the management of freshwater resources and hear differing perspectives on past, current and predicted future effectiveness as regards to implementation. |
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13:30-15:00 |
T4A2: Transboundary and cross-sectoral dialogue for peace and water resilience Transboundary and cross-sectoral dialogues serve as platforms for fostering cooperation, understanding and resilience in managing water resources. By promoting inclusive discussions, joint problem-solving, and coordinated actions, these dialogues can significantly contribute to achieving both peace and water resilience at local, regional, and global scales. |
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TUESDAY 21 MAY |
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9:00-11:00 |
IPU Parliamentary Session: “Plenary IV: Water diplomacy, cooperation and science for peace” Parliamentary water diplomacy is a platform for regional and international cooperative water management that can harness the potential of science to provide solutions and foster dialogue in search of equitable access to water. The session will present initiatives at the interface of water management and science and peace, such as the IPU Science for Peace Schools. It will also take a forward-looking perspective on the need to invest on water security through technology, infrastructure, innovation and financing, to safeguard the human right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation. |
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11:00-12:00 |
Side event: Transboundary Water Governance in Africa |
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13:00-14:30 Nusantara 2 |
High Level Panel 6: “Hydro-diplomacy and Peace” The session explores how collaborative water management between communities, sectors and countries can produce a package of shared economic, social and environmental benefits, and promote regional peace and integration. |
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14:50-15:30 Kintamani 1 |
One Water Summit Second International Steering Committee The One Water Summit aims to contribute and enhance global water governance and accelerate action on SDG6, conversed by government officials. |
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16:40-17:00 Senegal Pavillion |
Side event: Knowledge production and management for transboundary cooperation |
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WEDNESDAY 22 MAY |
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8:30-10:00 |
RM4: “Regulation, right to water and water law, conflict prevention and resolution” Hydrodiplomacy is increasingly necessary to ensure the acceptability of proposed solutions to avoid conflicts. This session aims to draw attention to the importance of developing cross-border hydro diplomacy actions and applying the method to inter-basin solidarity in the same country as well as to conflicts of use between sectors of activity in the same sub-basin. |
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8:30-10:00 |
T4E2: “Legal, institutional and policy pathways for strengthening water governance in the face of contemporary challenges” The session will identify elements for a responsible governance of water resources particularly regarding climate resilient water allocation, realization of the human right to water and sanitation, Safeguarding water quality for human and ecosystem health, as well as governance of water tenure. |
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10:20-12:00 Singaraja 1 |
Basin Segment: “High level session on Transboundary cooperation” |
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13:00-14:30 |
RP8: “Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Aral Sea basin for a better future” The sub-regional session "Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Aral Sea Basin for a better future" is organized to assist countries in developing common approaches to the use of water resources in the Aral Basin and concrete actions aimed at implementing the priorities of the basin. The aim of the session is to assist the Central Asian countries in building a common vision for sharing and protecting water resources in a changing climate. |
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13:00-14:30 Asian Water Council Pavillion |
Side event: “Transboundary water governance in Asia: status and lessons” |
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THURSDAY 23 MAY |
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14:50-16:20 |
SE23: “Hydrodiplomacy in transboundary basins” |
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FRIDAY 24 MAY |
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8:30-10:00 |
SE45: “Transboundary Water Cooperation: Water for Peace, regional integration and prosperity - Namibia’s Experience” Namibia is home to 5 of the 14 transboundary rivers found in Southern Africa, all the perennial rivers accessible to Namibia are shared with neighboring states. Cooperation over transboundary surface and groundwater is not only essential for sustainable economic development but also crucial for climate action, conflict prevention, and the promotion of peace. During panel discussions and presentations, international experts, diplomats, and water commissioners, especially women, will share their insights on what works, how it works, why it works and the tangible benefits derived from these cooperative efforts. |
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13:00-14:30 |
Synthesis Session: Sub-theme 4 “Governance, Cooperation and Hydro-diplomacy” |