Amman, Jordan – October 9, 2024 The INWRDAM 36th General Assembly recently highlighted the Blue Peace Middle East Initiative, showcasing its innovative approach to transboundary cooperation within the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus. As water scarcity continues to threaten stability in the Middle East, this initiative serves as a vital response to the pressing need for dialogue not only on sustainable water management but also on critical issues such as regional cooperation and integrated resource management. With it’s coordination office hosted at the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM), this initiative acts as a regional platform for knowledge exchange and the development of on-the-ground WEFE Nexus projects, fostering collaboration to address the interconnected challenges facing the region.
Aseel Mkhaimer, Head of the Coordination Office, opened the session with a compelling video presentation that illustrated the significance of the Blue Peace Middle East Initiative, followed by a panel discussion featuring key stakeholders who shared insights on the initiative’s evolution and impact. In a dynamic panel discussion, stakeholders came together to address the pressing need for shared sustainable resource management in the Middle East.
Dr. Tuğba Evrim Maden and Dr. Hakam Al Alami, both members of the Managing Committee at Blue Peace Middle East, highlighted crucial elements of the initiative's approach to water resource management. Dr. Maden began by elaborating on the transformative shift from a narrow focus on water efficiency to a broader embrace of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus, ultimately advancing regional cooperation and sustainability. Building on this foundation, Dr. Al Alami emphasized the significance of regional governance, outlining how ‘Al-Mizan’ framework serves as a guiding principle for cooperative water management. By prioritizing balance and justice, this framework ensures that all stakeholders, especially marginalized communities, are at the heart of decision-making processes, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and promoting equitable resource distribution across borders. Dr. Al-Alami stated that the “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” reminds us of the principle of stewardship over the land to achieve sustainability and justice in resources utilization. It is one of the main principles that the initiative calls for to deepen cooperation across borders.
Dr. Mutawakil Obaidat, Director of the Water Diplomacy Center at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, shifted the focus to education and capacity-building in water diplomacy. He discussed the Water Diplomacy Center's commitment to enhancing water diplomacy through targeted education and capacity-building programs. He outlined key initiatives such as evidence-based research projects and specialized training workshops designed to equip water professionals with essential skills. Notable programs include the Graduate Research Fellowship, which supports emerging scholars in the field, and the newly established Water Diplomacy Master's program, aimed at developing a new generation of skilled water diplomats who can navigate complex transboundary issues effectively. “The newly established MSc in Water Diplomacy is open to all interested students from the region.”, Dr. Obaidat stated.
Following that, Eng. Maisam Otoum, Jordan Country Director at cewas Middle East, emphasized the importance of empowering local entrepreneurs and harnessing innovation for effective water management.
In this context, Eng. Osama Freihat, Youth Ambassador for Blue Peace ME, highlighted the vital role of youth in driving the initiative's goals forward. He shared insights on how young leaders have engaged through the Youth Fellowship Programme with the WEFE Nexus pilot project, demonstrating the potential for innovation and collaboration in addressing regional challenges. By empowering youth and encouraging their active participation in water diplomacy, the initiative not only fosters new ideas but also builds a sense of ownership among future generations.
At the end of the session, it was evident that the interconnectedness of sustainable water management and regional cooperation are both essential for addressing the challenges facing the Middle East. The discussions underscored the role of Blue Peace ME in tackling shared challenges, creating a foundation for lasting peace and development in the region. As the moderator Eng. Muntasir Al Kilani, Technical Officer at Blue Peace ME noted, “Water knows no borders, and neither do the challenges that come with it, including scarcity, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. If these challenges are shared, so too must be the solutions”.
To learn more about the Blue Peace Middle East Initiative and its ongoing efforts, visit: www.bluepeaceme.org
For further information, please contact:
Aseel Al-Mkhaimer
Head of Coordination Office
Blue Peace Middle East
Email: info@bluepeaceme.org