Multistakeholder Commitments to the Water Action Agenda – Integrated Water and Climate Solutions – From Science to Decisions to Actions

As water related impacts of climate change become severer, the need for cross-cutting cooperation between the water and climate sectors is becoming ever more evident. From global to local level, we need to raise the ambitions to achieve our common goals by translating science-based knowledge into policies and political decisions that effectively accelerate regional/transboundary, national, subnational, and local action. By involving diverse stakeholders throughout the process, we are able to assess challenges and opportunities from multiple perspectives and develop integrated multiplayer solutions that enhance governance, are fundamentally more holistic, and sustainable.

This event will present voluntary commitments for the Water Action Agenda submitted by multistakeholder partnerships that lead to game-changing solutions to the pressing water and climate challenges. The event will walk us through the process from global political decision-making to action on the ground and the critical role various stakeholders have at all levels.  

The Water and Climate Coalition is a cross-sectoral community of actors that have committed to contributing to the Water Action Agenda by tackling the interlinked water and climate challenges. The Coalition provides a platform for cooperation, bringing together partners from scientific organizations, private sector, NGOs, international organizations, governments, and civil society. The Water and Climate Coalition was founded by 10 UN entities (WMO, FAO, IFAD, UNDP, UNECE, UNEP, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNU & WHO) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP) in 2020 to address the gaps identified in the SDG 6 Acceleration Framework. 

Programme

12.30-13.45

Opening remarks

Stefan Uhlenbrook, Director, Hydrology, Water Resources and Cryosphere, World Meteorological Organization (WMO); Co-Chair of the Water and Climate Coalition Steering Committee

Part 1 – Panel Discussion: Science and Technical tools 12.35-13.10

Moderator: Ms. Lis Mullin Bernhardt, Head of Freshwater Unit, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Panel Discussions on Data

Mr. Koen Verbist, Programme Specialist, Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, UNESCO
Dr. John Pomeroy, Director, Global Water Futures Programme, University of Saskatchewan
Ms. Virginie Gillet, Land and Water Officer, Water Resources Assessment, FAO

Panel Discussion on Financing

Mr. Sergio Campos, Chief, Water and Sanitation Division, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Mr. Amgad Elmahdi, Water Sector Senior Specialist, Division Mitigation and Adaptation, Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Mr. Tom Williams, Senior Director, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Ms. Jyotsna Puri, Associate Vice-President, Strategy and Knowledge Department, IFAD

Part 2 – Political Commitments to the Water Action Agenda 13.10-13.45

Moderator: Ms. Amanda Loeffen, Chief Executive Officer, Human Right 2 Water

Opening Statements

South Africa: H.E. Mr. Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation of South-Africa
Palestine: H.E. Mr. Mazen Ghunaim, Minister of Water and Sanitation of Palestine; Head of the Palestinian Water Authority

Panel Discussion on Governance

Ms. Birgit Vogel, Executive Secretary, ICPDR
Mr. Pablo Bereciartua, Chair, Global Water Partnership
Ms. Kim Osborne, Executive Secretary, Organization of American States (OAS); representative of a board member of Human Right 2 Water