Preventing conflicts starts with a good understanding of the links between water and society and the exploration of how turning water into an instrument for peace. Many assume that water-related risks directly lead to competition or conflict between different water users. The reality is much more complex and requires the contribution of different sectors.

The session will explore the links between water and security amongst the different Communities (Diplomacy, Disaster management, Development and Finance), with the objective of sharing insights and identifying actions to tackle water-related security risks based on a shared understanding of watersecurity linkages. The session will start with an overview of potential links between water and security and highlight the importance of a shared understanding of the water-security linkages in order to leverage water as an instrument for peace. Panel members will be invited to share insights on how, from their perspectives, water plays a role as an instrument for peace. The audience will be asked to actively contribute with their experience and engage in the discussion.

Program

Moderator: Susanne Schmeier, Associate Professor of Water Law and Diplomacy at IHE Delft | Lead of the Water, Peace and Security Partnership

Welcome and Opening remarks

Bert Vermaat, Deputy Ambassador | Dutch Embassy in Dakar

Keynote speech

Audrey Legat, Senior advisor Water Governance and Regional coordinator West Africa

Panel discussion - “Understanding water-security linkages in the Sahel”

Mrs. Hind Aissaoui Bennani, Migration Environment and Climate Change Specialist for IOM in West and Central Africa | International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Mr. Dele Olatunji, Regional Hydrologist & IWRM Expert | Niger Basin Authority (NBA)

Mr. Johannes Cullman, Director of the Climate and Water Department | World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Dr. Anders Jagerskog, Program Manager for the Cooperation on International Waters in Africa Trust Fund | World Bank

Concluding remarks

Dr. Abdou Boko Boubacar, Frexus Project Manager (Niger) | German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)