REGISTER: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/6HM55pHvwv?origin=lprLink
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85962153424
Background:
Digitalization for natural resources management refers to the strategic adoption and integration of conventional and innovative digital policies and technologies in sectoral and cross-sectoral domains that contribute to sustainable development objectives. Digital solutions, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), can provide substantial benefits to water management as well as to the management of interconnected systems of Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) in a Nexus approach applied at the Mediterranean Source to Sea continuum. Digital transformation for introducing such solutions at all levels involves, among others, leveraging advanced digital tools, data analytics, innovative technologies and related governance and managerial approaches to optimize the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of related resources.
The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) agenda prioritizes the Digital Transformation of the Water Sector, with a strong emphasis on Strategic Planning and Capacity Development. Closely aligned with the objectives set forth towards the 2nd UfM Ministerial on Water, this strategic initiative seeks to leverage digitalization technologies and innovative solutions to enhance water management, improve operational efficiency, and foster greater resilience in water resources. Based on these, the UfM Regional Platform on Water (UfM RPW) approved at its 15th Meeting (5-6 November 2025, Barcelona), welcomed the related Strategic Framework Report and adopted its recommendations.
Furthermore, a regional consultation process is ongoing, aiming to promote digital transformation for advancing WEFE Nexus in the Mediterranean, particularly under evolving climate change impacts. After defining the consultation content and establishing the core cooperation team (February 2024/Tunis), the process included so far two Regional Roundtables (Lisbon/June 2024 and Malta/February 2025). The consultation includes the identification of related Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). Based on these, recommendations are being developed for promoting digital transformation as a contribution to the upcoming Action Framework of the ‘Strategy on WEFE Nexus in the Mediterranean Source to Sea continuum’.[1] This science-driven consultation involves regional and national decision makers and stakeholders in a Living Lab approach. It is facilitated by the PRIMA ACQUAOUNT, TALANOA-WATER and H2020 TRANSCEND projects, in service of and with the support of UfM and other institutional partners. The process is also supported by the WEFE Nexus Community of Practice in the Mediterranean that is facilitated by the PRIMA WEFE4Med project. A milestone 3rd Regional Roundtable of the process will take place on 23-24 March 2026, in Rome, also serving as the final event of the PRIMA ACQUAOUNT project.
In this context, the Webinar will contribute to sharing best practices with emphasis on AI and seek feedback to guide further action. It will also align the related technical work lines and regional consultations by providing updates and advancing steps towards establishing a related thematic work line within the WEFE Nexus Community of Practice. The Webinar contributes to the 6th Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum (29 September–2 October 2026, Rome).
The Webinar is part of a series of consultations and capacity building activities and follows up the Webinar on ‘AI-driven digitalization solutions for Water and WEFE Nexus in the Mediterranean’ organized on 30 June 2025. It is organized within UfM and PRIMA in synergy with GWP-Med and IME. HYDROC GmbH provides technical content.
Objectives:
- Strengthen institutional readiness for digital transformation and AI adoption in the Water sector, including within an integrated WEFE Nexus approach in the Mediterranean Source to Sea continuum.
- Understand governance implications of AI.
- Explore financing mechanisms and regulatory frameworks that support sustainable AI integration.
- Discuss strategic approaches to managing both online and offline AI systems (e.g., GPT OSS).
- Equip participants to design digital water strategies aligned with ethical, legal, and financial safeguards, within a WEFE Nexus approach in the interlinked spatial dimensions from the source to the sea.
Expected webinar outcomes:
- Understand the governance requirements for integrating AI technologies into national and institutional water management frameworks in a WEFE Nexus approach.
- Recognize the implications of offline versus cloud-based AI systems, including issues of data sovereignty, security, and operational control.
- Identify key components of institutional readiness, such as digital literacy, change management, and internal coordination mechanisms.
- Gain familiarity with the main legal and regulatory aspects of AI use in public institutions - from data ownership to accountability and transparency
- Receive updates on progress and next steps in digital transformation for the WEFE Nexus.
- Provide input to engagement mechanisms and priority topics for a thematic group on Digital Transformation for Water and WEFE Nexus within the WEFE4Med Community of Practice.
Participants:
Representatives from Mediterranean member states, including:
- National water and other (energy, agriculture, environment, international cooperation) ministries and related regulatory authorities
- Water utilities and basin agencies
- ICT and cybersecurity departments
- Academic and research institutions
- Regional and national stakeholder organizations and practitioners
- Private sector entities involved in water management and technology
- Development partners and donors
Download the Webinar's Concept Note and Agenda here.
[1] The Strategy was adopted by the 15th Meeting of the UfM Regional Platform on Water (5-6 November 2025, Barcelona), and is part of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD, 2026-2035) Flagship Initiative which was adopted at the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) of the Barcelona Convention (2-5 December 2025, Cairo)