Panel:

-       Daniela Bemfica, Strategic Programmes & Engagement Director, International Water Association

-        Gunter Beger, Managing Director, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

-        Dr. Miriam Haritz, Head of the Directorate “Water Management, Water Protection, Soil Conservation” at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection

- Katerina Schilling, IAWD- International Association of Water Service Companies in the Danube River Catchment Area 

Moderation: Julia-Niharika Sen

The flyer of the panel discussion is available here. 

Background of the Panel Discussion

This year’s theme of the UN World Water Day is ‘Water for Peace’, which focuses on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world. When water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries. More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, out of 153 countries that share rivers, lakes, and aquifers with their neighbors, only 24 countries report having cooperation agreements for all their shared water. As climate change impacts increase, and the global population grows, we must unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource. By working together to balance everyone’s human rights and needs, water can be a stabilizing force and a catalyst for sustainable development. World Water Day is a United Nations (UN) observance coordinated by UN-Water. Every year, it raises awareness of a major water-related issue and inspires action to tackle the water and sanitation crisis. (Source: webpage UNWATER)

Due to climate change (rising of the sea water level, storms, floods and droughts) water is often the reason of migration. This is dangerous to live for the emigrants and leads to conflicts in the countries of immigration.

The panel discussion will focus on, what can the politics, the water and the finance sector do, to avoid conflicts and to support the economy and wellbeing of the people.

Organisers:

This panel discussion is organised by the European Water Association and the International Water Association