Room 7

The session aims to present water as a key element without which none of the
problems associated with global changes will be resolved: combating desertification, resilience to change climate and epidemic prevention. The session also aims to discuss how it is possible to revive, in some form or another, the Climate is water initiative, so as to produce, by the community, and in the shortest possible time, (from preferably in view of COP 27) a series of synthetic but unified messages, to be transmitted to external partners, and to broadcast during major international events.

Progressing on the World Water Challenge and Leveraging Knowledge Sharing Platforms

This session focuses on examples of platforms and practices fostering the exchange of experiences and knowledge among local actors, and with the support of experts. Those include current initiatives related to water education, citizen science, local knowledge systems and water information centres, both online and physical.

"Access to information on the state and evolution of water resources and their uses is an imperative need and a major challenge to establish an inclusive governance framework that takes into account in a structured manner the different links of integrated water management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a magnifying glass on pressing water and sanitation challenges in Africa, especially for the 56% of the urban population living in informal settlements, lacking access to proper hygiene conditions. Climate change, urbanisation and population growth will add further pressure on water resources. This session will aim at raising the profile of Mayors and City leaders in enhancing water security in Africa. Participants will discuss challenges and opportunities towards water security in Africa.

The session discuss traditional as well as innovative financing instruments for the water sector in Africa in view of lessons learned globally. During the session a handbook on available financing instruments for the Africa region will be released and through a panel discussion between world experts and regional pioneers the most important principles for innovative and climate finance, will be elucidated. This will include a discussion on the potential of partnerships and coalitions and the role of multiple players: NGO's, public development banks and others.

This session will present successful cases in which knowledge and tools are fostering transboundary cooperation on surface and groundwater resources worldwide, for improved management, collaboration and shared benefits.

The session will present global initiatives and concrete examples of cooperation over groundwater resources of transboundary aquifers contributing to foster cooperation and preventing conflicts.

This session will showcase examples on the role of transboundary water cooperation as a tool for peace. The speakers will present several tools and mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation over transboundary water resources, and the levers they can bring to foster stability and prevent tensions.