Blue Peace Middle East Strengthens Regional Water Cooperation at Baghdad
The initiative's 15th Managing Committee meeting and BIWC participation advance science-policy dialogue for transboundary water management.
Last week, Baghdad hosted a significant gathering for regional water cooperation as Blue Peace Middle East held its 15th Managing Committee meeting in the Iraqi capital—a first for the initiative. The timing was strategic, coinciding with the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference where Blue Peace Middle East served as platinum sponsor from May 24-26.
The back-to-back events created a noticeable convergence of political will and technical expertise, bringing together water leaders from across the region in a city that understands firsthand the critical importance of transboundary water management.
A Symbolic Choice
The decision to convene in Baghdad wasn't merely logistical. For an initiative focused on transforming water from a source of tension into a platform for cooperation, holding the Managing Committee meeting in Iraq sent a powerful message about inclusive regional engagement.
Swiss Ambassador to Iraq, H.E. Daniel Hunn, captured this sentiment in his opening remarks on May 23, noting the strong diplomatic backing that continues to drive Blue Peace Middle East forward. The presence of high-level representatives from member countries, alongside development partners and technical institutions, highlighted how water diplomacy has moved from the margins to the mainstream of regional policy discussions.
Progress on Multiple Fronts
Under the leadership of the Managing Committee Chair H.E. MohamedAmin Faris Amin, delegates reviewed substantial progress across the initiative's portfolio. Iraq's Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) pilot project has moved from concept to implementation, that will offer valuable lessons for integrated resource management in water-scarce environments.
The second cohort of the Youth Fellowship Programme will begin their journey, building on the success of the first group who are already contributing fresh perspectives. Meanwhile, the Water Diplomacy Center presented findings from recently completed studies that challenge conventional approaches to transboundary water governance.
"Technical expertise alone won't solve our water challenges," Chair MohamedAmin emphasized during the discussions. "By combining it with genuine diplomatic engagement, we're building the foundation for sustainable groundwater management that serves all our people."
The meeting concluded with a forward-looking session on the UN Water Convention, facilitated by UNECE and ESCWA experts. This discussion explored how international legal frameworks can complement rather than complicate regional cooperation efforts—a critical consideration as more countries in the region contemplate accession to the Convention.
Leading Technical Dialogue at BIWC
The 5th Baghdad International Water Conference provided an ideal platform for Blue Peace Middle East to engage with the broader water community. Beyond maintaining a busy exhibition booth, the initiative led three substantial sessions that tackled core challenges facing the region.
The first session confronted a reality often left unspoken: that transboundary water cooperation must adapt to shifting political dynamics. Drawing on the Political Economy Analyses conducted in Jordan and Iraq by the Water Diplomacy Center, panelists identified practical pathways for governance reform that acknowledge rather than ignore political constraints.
Technical innovation featured prominently in the second session, which presented innovative work on the Azraq and Al-Hammad transboundary aquifers. Experts demonstrated how advanced hydrological modeling, coupled with real-time monitoring technologies and nature-based solutions, could transform how the region manages its precious groundwater resources.
The third session, organized by the Water Diplomacy Center- the research and education arm of the initiative, focused on developing Education and Training Roadmaps in Water Diplomacy. This workshop addressed the critical need for building regional capacity in water diplomacy through structured educational programs and professional development pathways.
Throughout the conference, Blue Peace Middle East partners—including the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, INWRDAM, Geneva Water Hub, and the water ministries of Jordan and Iraq—contributed expertise and perspectives that enriched the dialogue. The cross-pollination of ideas between sessions created unexpected synergies and potential collaborations.
Next Generation Engagement
The initiative's commitment to youth engagement was evident through the participation of Junior Media Professionals who provided comprehensive coverage of Blue Peace Middle East's activities throughout the week. Working alongside young staff from the Coordination Office and the Water Diplomacy Center, these emerging professionals demonstrated the initiative's investment in building capacity across multiple disciplines—from technical water management to strategic communications.
Their involvement reflects Blue Peace Middle East's recognition that sustainable water cooperation requires engaging professionals across various fields, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with both technical knowledge and communication skills essential for effective water diplomacy.
Conference Outcomes and Future Directions
The 5th Baghdad International Water Conference concluded with participants calling for increased investment in water infrastructure and adoption of innovative technologies, areas where Blue Peace Middle East is actively demonstrating leadership through its pilot projects and technical programs.
As delegates returned home, the consensus was clear: Baghdad marked a turning point. The challenge now lies in maintaining momentum and translating the week's energy into tangible outcomes.
For a region where water scarcity intersects with demographic pressures and climate change, the engagements in Baghdad reinforced a crucial lesson: when technical expertise meets political will, and when trust is built through collaborative action, sustainable solutions become possible.
Blue Peace Middle East's model—bridging science and policy while fostering regional dialogue—offers a pathway forward. The work continues, but last week in Baghdad demonstrated that the foundations for a cooperative Middle East are stronger than many might imagine.
For more information about Blue Peace Middle East and its initiatives, visit www.bluepeaceme.org or contact the Coordination Office at info@bluepeaceme.org