This event is part of our Development Policy Forum (DPF), which brings together a number of important development actors, including the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations and the World Bank. Reflecting the growing role of the private sector in development, the DPF has now welcomed Coca-Cola and Eni to the forum. The DPF contributes to the global and European conversation on inclusive development. Through its activities and publications, the DPF reflects the rapidly-changing global debate on growth and development and seeks to encourage a multi-stakeholdered, fresh, up-to-date thinking on the multiple challenges facing the development community.
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PHOTO CREDIT: lensnmatter/Flickr
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12.30-13.00
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Welcome and registration of participants
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13.00-14.00
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The ripple effect: water as a tool for peace and sustainable development
Rivers and lakes are natural borders, but also generators of friction. Above all, they are vital resources at the core of sustainable development, a fact highlighted by Agenda 2030. Although too often a cause of conflict, both the UN and the EU have recognised that water can be a tool for peace and cross-border cooperation. Promising to enhance its diplomatic engagement on water, the EU last November warned against “the use of water as a weapon of war” and the link between global water-related risks and migration. Many countries have seen the value of transboundary water cooperation: the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan is often cited as an example of how resources can be used to prevent conflict, and the Mekong and Danube river authorities have been meeting within the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) framework to share best practices. However water competition is worsening tensions in the Middle East, while Ethiopia’s construction of Africa's largest dam on the Nile continues to cause acrimony with its neighbours, particularly Egypt.
• Which are the best examples of countries using water as a tool of peace instead of as a weapon of war?
• There are many existing examples of transboundary water cooperation: what works and what doesn’t?
• Is the EU practicing what it preaches on water diplomacy both within and outside of the Union?
Moderated by:
Shada Islam, Director for Europe & Geopolitics at Friends of Europe
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14.00
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End of debate
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This event is exclusively for Friends of Europe’s members, EU institution representatives and media.
Amanda Rohde, Programme Manager
Tel.: +32 2 893 98 11
Email: amanda.rohde@friendsofeurope.org
Our events include photos, audio and video recording that we might use for promotional purposes. By registering, you give your permission to use your image. Should you have any questions, please contact us.
