An Expert Task Force of the joint GWP/OECD project “Global Dialogue on Water Security and Sustainable Growth” has presented provisional results of research into the economics of water security. Although still a work in progress, some striking patterns stand out, and the experts believe this could be a game changer in the quest for a dedicated water goal in the post-2015 development agenda, as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to be decided upon.
Building water security for development in a changing climate through the implementation of the Water, Climate and Development Programme (WACDEP), is an initiative of the Global Water Partnership (GWP).
The 2015 Working Conference and the Sub-regional Consultation Meeting of GWP China were organized on February 9 and 10, 2015 in Beijing.
Planning Officers from Rwanda Ministry of Natural Resources, infrastructure, Ministry of Local Government and Water and Environment policy implementing Agencies discussed inclusion of water security and climate change adaptation in the national planning.
Partnership is our strength. We strongly believe that water security and climate resilience in region will be achieved through collaborative partnerships and functioning networks. As a result, we have 8 functioning Country Water Partnerships and local active networks and partners.
In Central Asia, water is unevenly distributed with states positioned downstream being placed in a very unfavourable position. The situation is further complicated since the benefits from cooperation are highly asymmetrical. Despite the challenge, the states have taken action and entered into a regional agreement, which attracted the international donor community to engage further. This case illustrates how international initiatives can influence institutional arrangements in transboundary basins.
A youth water forum targeting youth organisations in the water, sanitation and environmental sectors was held at Rainbow Towers in Harare, Zimbabwe on the 17th of March 2015. The youth forum was part of the SADC Water Weeks programme. The SADC Water Weeks are being held in each of the 15 SADC member states spearheaded by the SADC Water Sector under the auspices of the Infrastructure and Services Directorate. The National Water Weeks, running under the theme “From Vision to Action” are supporting SADC to have a platform in interacting with member states on water resources management strategic issues. Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWP SA) is playing a role in providing support in undertaking this initiative.
The WACDEP has launched its Young Professional Development Initiative. GWP is calling on Young Professionals in fields related to water management and development, who wish to enhance their professional capacity to express their interest in promoting youth and water engagement through the WACDEP country and regional programmes. Nine (9) Youth Professionals will serve on an internship basis in each of the eight WACDEP countries and in the WACDEP Coordination Unit (CU) in Pretoria, for a period of between six to twelve months.
The annual Workshop was held on November 24 and 25, 2014, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province with 80 participants from different provinces and the institutions under the MWR and the NGOs. Ms MA Yilin, the Communications Officer, GWP China, participated in this activity.
GWP has published a new Technical Focus Paper about the challenges facing small island developing states in the Caribbean. The paper is the first in a series to present a critical review of progress made in water resources planning and practice in GWP regions.