Since the start of 2021, GWP and the International Water Law Academy (IWLA) of Wuhan University have co-organised a series of online events called "Transboundary Freshwater Security Governance Train" - a 'train' of events stopping around the world at different topics related to the main theme. On 15 June, the initial series concluded with its 6th session on international water law and transboundary groundwater. "We are in front of a puzzle, and this can get very frustrating – there are a lot of pieces, and it takes a lot of time,” said Dr. Francesco Sindico when he described what he called a complex maze of international law applicable to transboundary aquifers.
The GWP Gender Action Piece was launched in 2017 with the aim to improve gender equality and social inclusion in water resources management. The publication captures the views of 40 experts from around the world and contains four clear action areas to serve as drivers for progress. New language versions are now available: French, Spanish, and Russian. A broader audience is expected to lead to a renewed boost in interest and action.
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is celebrated annually on 17 June to raise awareness around desertification and drought. GWP Senior Water & Climate Specialist Valentin Aich, who works on the Technical Support Unit of the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP), shares some insights on what’s currently on the IDMP agenda. One of the major activities is expanding the programme to Caucasus and Central Asia (CACENA). Aich is passionate about this but explains that it is a process that will take years to achieve – however, all the elements are now in place and the time is right.
Last year the global pandemic exposed how current governance systems are inadequately prepared to address systemic challenges that threaten humanity. Better preparedness can make communities more resilient to large scale threats. On 2 June, GWP launched a report, “Mobilising Change: 10 years of climate resilient water investments”, which is a contribution to implementing transformative development to solve climate change challenges to water security.
GWP celebrates 25 years in 2021, and we are introducing the anniversary website gwp25years.org. The launch took place in connection to the GWP Regional Days (31 May-3 June), an annual gathering of GWP’s staff worldwide. The new website is a place to capture the collective celebration of what the network has achieved so far, and to look to the future. It is a place where everyone is invited to share messages and where they can be part of the journey to make good water governance a reality for everyone.
GWP set ambitious goals for 2020, the year it launched its new strategy, which were met by unexpected challenges due to the global pandemic. Nonetheless, the GWP network adjusted rapidly to the new situation, and substantial results were achieved.
Global leaders recently convened for the twelfth Petersberg Climate Dialogue (PCD XII) with the aim of furthering multilateral cooperation around climate action in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow. This year’s PCD included a series of virtual satellite events to complement the ministerial discussions.
On 18 May, the event series “Transboundary freshwater security governance train” continued with a session on “International Water Law and Infrastructure.” Over 100 participants took part in the event, which was co-organised by GWP and the International Water Law Academy (IWLA) of Wuhan University. The question at the heart of the discussion was: what are the rules of international law that govern transboundary infrastructure development?
On 27 April, GWP organised a learning exchange on the topic, “IWRM Action Planning to Accelerate Progress on SDG 6”. The event had over 150 participants who shared their experiences on how to accelerate Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to contribute to the achievement of the water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
