“Dialogue on Water Scarcity and Migration: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development in the MENA region” 

Organized by: International Organization for Migration (IOM) 

29 March 2022, 14.00-16.00 (GST time)  

Venue: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates / Room capacity: 100 pax 

You can also follow the event online here.

This event will discuss the complex and interconnected challenges of climate change, water, displacement, migration and conflict in the MENA region, and the most recent findings of IPCC AR 6 report and will call for increased attention and investment in climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction, water governance and sustainable development measures to reduce related risks in the region.  

The event will be held in-person but a computer and camera will be available in the room to allow for the broadcasting of the event and online participation. The online platform and registration link will be soon provided by the organizers of the MENA Climate Week. In-person participation, especially for speakers, will be sought in priority. Priority will also be given to speakers originating from and/or based in the MENA region.

The event will take place in person at the Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It will be held in English and no simultaneous interpretation will be provided.

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Key takeaways from the event include: 1) scientific and empirical evidence demonstrate with high confidence that climate change and water crises are closely linked, and both are drivers of displacement and migration, impacting water security, food security, livelihoods and ecosystems and particularly affecting the most vulnerable people; 2) investment and innovation in adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water management and development efforts are crucial to address the water crisis and the impacts of climate change in the MENA region, especially on the agricultural sector, to protect people’s livelihoods and build community resilience; and 3) migrants, youth and women are key players of climate action and water management, as innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and more inclusive policies are needed to enhance their participation in decision-making processes, to promote local knowledge and to strengthen capacities.