The unique value of GWP lies in its capability to mobilise action on the global water crisis through a combination of social capital, shared values, credibility within the global water community, bottom-up orientation, and expertise. This ensures that the ‘voices of water’ can influence local, national, regional, and global development priorities.
Coordination and facilitation bodies (CFBs) and instruments play the very important role of articulating and harmonizing the actions and visions of the numerous entities concerned with water management. Whether it is at the international, national, or even regional level, mediators are always needed in dealing with water related issues. Tools under this section can be seen as tying strings for an IWRM strategy and for good water governance to crystalize.
The adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 is an opportunity to explain why the integrated approach can contribute to meeting the SDGs, particularly since SDG #6 is all about water – and calls for the implementation of integrated water resources management at all levels.
The integrated approach is called Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and is defined as a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.
GWP participated in the UN climate conference in Marrakech, COP22, with representatives from various parts of the network. Adaptation and financing were two topics that dominated many discussions, with a strong youth perspective throughout.
In our interview series marking GWP 20 Years, we talk to GWP Steering Committee (SC) member Dr. Gunilla Björklund. Her ties to the network run back all the way to its founding days, and over the years she has been involved in GWP project evaluations as a consult. She says the main challenge as a SC member is to have a global overview while still maintaining an understanding of the details.
GWP delegates are taking part in the UN Climate Change Conference COP22, 7-18 November in Marrakech, Morocco. The objective is to promote support for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, in connection to water and climate change adaptation. The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016.
On November 1 and 2, 2016, the 7th Hydropower for Today Forum held in Hangzhou, China. It was hosted by the Ministry of Water Resources of China (MWR) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and organized by the International Centre on Small Hydro Power (ICSHP).
