Report from roundtable discussion on water challenges in MENA

In connection with a visit to Jordan by the prominent water expert Dr. Martina Klimes from Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the Dialogue Institute hosted a roundtable discussion on regional water issues on September 26th. A diverse group of stakeholders with an interest in water and climate gathered to discuss existing challenges as well as recommendations for action. In addition to SIWI, the participants included representatives from academia, civil society, donor community, and media, from the MENA region and Europe.

One set of the conversation focused on the awareness issue surrounding water. Although water scarcity is a reality for many countries in the MENA region, the urgent nature of these challenges does not necessarily form part of the collective consciousness. Interlocutors argued that this is due to a lack of attention given to environmental issues in both educational systems and in the media.

Another part of the discussion focused on the central need for continuous collaboration between sectors. Water issues, being intricately linked to the human-made climate crisis, cannot be resolved within a vacuum, but rather require simultaneous and coordinated effort on several fronts. It was emphasized that a range of stakeholders need to partake in formulating solutions.

The conversation also covered challenges and opportunities for transboundary water dialogues. It was underlined that candid and constructive dialogues are needed, as a means of avoiding the blame game, which can often characterize ineffective water diplomacy. Participants also underscored the importance of good water governance and concluded that responsive governance has a better ability to act on the climate and water crisis. In parallel, they stressed that it is imperative to have fiscal incentives for advancing a blue transition.

More information is available in the Report from the roundtable discussion on water challenges in MENA.