Growing populations and climatic impacts are placing unprecedented pressure on water resources. This is true of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region which comprises 16 Member States, whose population in 2018, was estimated to be at 345.2 million, a rise from 336.9 million as of 2017. Rivers play a pivotal role in the region's socio-economic development, as evidenced by its reliance on these waterways. Southern Africa boasts of 15 major transboundary river basins, shared among neighbouring countries, with 13 basins entirely within the region's borders. However, the equitable distribution of water resources remains a challenge, exacerbated by climatic factors influencing rainfall patterns and the geographical distribution of river basins. While these rivers can spark conflicts, they also serve as conduits for peace and cooperation. Therefore, prioritizing transboundary water cooperation is not merely about economic prosperity but also essential for nurturing stability and harmony throughout the region.
On September 19, 2024, marking the celebration of National Science Day 2024, the Yellow River Lecture was triumphantly held within the esteemed premises of 80 students from Zhengzhou No. 47 Junior High School, embracing the central theme, "Enhancing Public Comprehension of Scientific Knowledge and Fostering Contributions to a Technological Powerhouse."
A delegation of the Executive Directorate of the Mono River Basin Authority (MBA ED) paid a working visit on 26 July 2022 to exchange with the Executive Secretariat of Global Water Partnership West Africa (GWP-WA).
On November 12, 2024, Liang Jun, the Party Committee Secretary and Chairman of China Malaysia Investment Holding Group, engaged in a discussion with Shen Biao, the Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the GWP China Belt and Road Working Committee (BRWC), along with his delegation.
The largest international gathering of water stakeholders, held every three years, the 10th World Water Forum - 'Water for Shared Prosperity' - will be held in Bali, Indonesia, from 18 – 25 May, as the culmination of a multi-annual political, thematic and regional preparatory process.
The “built water storage South Asia project” in-country consultation was held with the participation of Water Experts on 12 June 2024 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
African leaders have pledged to mobilise USD 30bn per year by 2030 to achieve water security and sustainable sanitation on the continent through institutional private-public partnerships, sector reform, and higher national budget allocations.
On 11 December, GWP is co-curating the 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 at COP28 in the #Water4Climate Pavilion together with the Green Climate Fund and French Water Partnership.