Water is not just a vital resource; it's a fundamental element that sustains life, fosters development, and promotes peace. As we commemorate World Water Day, it's crucial to reflect on the significant role of water in building bridges, fostering cooperation, and mitigating conflicts.

The theme for this year's World Water Day, "Water and Peace," underscores the intrinsic link between water and peace-building efforts worldwide. Water scarcity, unequal access to water resources, and competition over water have often been cited as drivers of conflict and social vulnerability. However, when managed effectively, water can serve as a catalyst for peace-building and cooperation among communities and nations.

In an Arid region like the Near East and North Africa (NENA), where more than 60 % of its water is generated outside its boarders, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) emerges as a cornerstone in enhancing water productivity, allocation, efficiency, and reducing competition over limited resources.

By adopting a holistic approach that considers the entire water cycle, from catchment to consumption, and involving all actors, IWRM is envisioned as the right tool towards real sustainable and equitable water use for all.

Inspiring collective leadership and action for water across NENA.

FAO's work in promoting water efficiency and productivity through the Regional Water Scarcity Initiative (WSI) contributes significantly to promoting peaceful coexistence in a water-stressed region like NENA using member states-led inter-governmental processes in collaboration with the League of Arab States (LAS).

 By working on enhancing cross-sectoral cooperation, empowering communities, fostering climate-smart agriculture, and advocating for policy reforms, the initiative supported the Institutionalization of regional coordination mechanisms within LAS between the water and agriculture sectors, leading to regular Joint Ministerial Meetings (Water and Agriculture) at a biennial basis that lead to the establishment of a High-Level Joint Technical Committee that meets annually.

A Transformative change in Sustainable management through Innovative Partnerships

Reflecting on regional priorities, through a precise "Results-Based" approach, the Water Scarcity Initiative succeeded in enabling a transformational change in sustainable management and utilization of natural resources using an innovative partnership modality between governments, development partners, civil society, end-users including farmers and Water Users Associations (WuAs).

By putting information within reach and bringing knowledge to the field, the initiative made several contributions across member countries by advocating effective Guidelines for Improved Water Allocation for Agriculture. These guidelines were structured to provide systematic guidance for decision-makers and water resource planners to enable effective and sustainable allocation of water in agriculture, leaving no one behind.

Commitment to Action

As we look ahead toward the endorsement of the new United Nations System-Wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation that is anticipated to streamline UN action in water, we expect the WSI to continue supporting the NENA countries in achieving water-related SDGs and advancing the global water agenda in the region. By fostering collaboration, promoting dialogue with affected communities and effective multi-sectoral governance frameworks supported by transparent policies, robust institutions, and inclusive decision-making processes, the WSI will continue to harness the power of water as a catalyst for peace and prosperity.

On this World Water Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding this precious resource and combating misuse and overuse of water towards a more peaceful and prosperous world for all.

Together, let's make every drop count.

Additional Resources: The inter-regional Technical Platform on Water Scarcity

Mr. AL-Hamdi is the Senior Land and Water Officer and the Delivery Manager of the Regional Water Scarcity Initiative at the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North.