IWRA Webinar N° 59

Since 1993, the United Nations (UN) celebrates World Water Day every year on March 22nd. It is a special occasion to highlight the fundamental importance of water resources and its sustainable use around the globe. This year’s dedicated theme on “Water for people and cooperation partnership” was about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis in the world. 

Since 2017, The International Water Resources Association (IWRA), celebrates this special day every year, with a series of activities that seek to raise awareness on the use of water resources, and its sustainable management, in all regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the MENA region and the Americas. 

On March 20th, IWRA organised a dedicated webinar that brought together scientists, practitioners, experts, professionals, organizations and institutions to discuss and share their stories, best practices, and findings; aiming to connect people and build cooperation partnerships through the world’s most precious and unique resource for all: water.  

The webinar was moderated by IWRA´s Vice-president, Lesha Witmer, who introduced the newly released UN World Water Development Report 2023 on Partnership and cooperation for water. 

As part of the panel, Dani Gaillard-Picher (SIWI), highlighted ways to achieve SDG6 by making sure that our efforts have meaningful impacts, the latter through partnerships and the design of collective action.  

Moreover, Bassel Daher (Texas University), presented the challenges and the skill gaps of the current water job market, with a focus on young people. Mr. Daher presented statistics based on surveys as well as solutions that could help to overcome the demands of the water sector. 

In addition, Rewa Assi (IWRA ECYP), introduced IWRA´s Early Career and Young Professionals 
Task Force (ECYP). Ms. Assi presented the activities of the task force, highlighted the crucial role of young people in the water sector and invited all young professionals to join the ECYP. 

Furthermore, Laurent-Charles Tremblay (GWP), presented the six ingredients for success in water management, the latter through GWP´s newly publication: The Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Sourcebook. The ingredients include context analysis, theory of change, knowledge management, resource mobilisation, effective communication and conflict management.    

To this end, event attendees came from all geographies of the world, mainly from Africa, Europe and the Americas. Likewise, they came from various organizations (e.g. civil society groups, academia, public and private sector). Both genders were equally represented, with participant ages varying from 19 to 75 years old, with a predominant age group of 35-40 years old. Questions and answers to the audience can be explored toward the end of the webinar’s recording.