Transboundary water cooperation highlighted at UN Water Conference in New York

Published on 05/02/23

The International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO), whose permanent technical secretariat is ensured by OiEau, was present at the United Nations Water Conference in New York, from 22 to 24 March, to convey the voice of the basins to decision-makers and various stakeholders of the water world working at all levels.

This event was in particular the occasion to highlight the Transboundary Water Cooperation Coalition (TWCC).

This Coalition was launched in December 2022 at the UN Water and Groundwater Summit in Paris, organised by UNESCO. It brings together 40 countries, regional integration and international organisations, international financial institutions, NGOs, academic and research centres.

With a remarkably diverse membership supporting transboundary water cooperation in policy, governance, capacity development, technical support and financing, the Coalition aims to:

  • provide a unified voice for the transboundary water community,
  • demonstrate and communicate the benefits of transboundary water cooperation, both for upstream and downstream countries and for adaptation to emerging climate challenges,
  • build momentum for concrete commitments related to transboundary water cooperation,
  • catalyse support to initiate, sustain and deepen transboundary water cooperation.

By its presence in New York, the Coalition hoped to see its commitments included in the Water Agenda for Action, one of the key outcomes of this UN water conference.

Read more about the Coalition
Improved cooperation over shared water resources is a prerequisite for development and the advancement of climate change agenda and the demands of growing population, balancing the needs of people and the environment. The World Bank Group is committed to an increased focus on cooperation around transboundary water management that will help advance peace, stability and build climate resilience. We stand ready to work jointly with our partners and support effective transboundary cooperation.
Saroj Kumar Jha

Global Director for the World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice

Find the key messages, commitments and recommendations brought by INBO to the UN Conference

INBO has drafted a report with the key messages, commitments and recommendations it brought to the United Nations Water Conference of 2023 to inform the debate on the challenges of water management by and for the basins, in a context of climate change and increased pressure on the resource.

Read the report
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