IWRA and UNESCO-IHP are running a webinar series focused on one of the most pressing challenges in global water governance: water cooperation.
As underscored in the United Nations World Water Development Report 2023, “nearly every water-related intervention involves some kind of cooperation.” From local water supply systems to transboundary river basins, collaboration underpins sustainable, equitable, and peaceful water management.
Water cooperation has gained growing international attention in recent years. It was a central theme at the UN 2023 Water Conference and will feature prominently on the global stage at the UN Water Conference in December 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Water Cooperation webinar series will provide a timely platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical insights on advancing cooperation across scales, sectors, and borders.
The series is organised by IWRA jointly with UNESCO-IHP within the framework of the UN-Water and in collaboration with UNECE, AIDA, IAH, SIWI, the Geneva Water Hub, including other key partners.
Webinar 1: Water Cooperation – Why does it matter?
📅 21 January 2026
⏰ 14:00–15:30 CET
💻 Online
This first webinar introduced the concept of water cooperation— why it matters and how it underpins sustainable, equitable resource management and peace. It explores the key dimensions of water cooperation, highlights longstanding international initiatives and frameworks, and sets the scene for the critical themes and discussions that will be taken forward in the following three webinars of the series.
Speakers included:
- Abou Amani, UNESCO-IHP
- Sonja Koeppel, UNECE
- Tanja Miškova, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Slovenia
- Raya Stephan, IWRA
- Kevin Pietersen, SADC Groundwater Management Institute
- Jennifer Sara, Global Water Leader (Climate & Finance), former World Bank Director
- Aaron Wolf, Oregon State University
Moderators:
- Alice Aureli, IWRA
- Mariana Nogales Paez, AIDA
Webinar 2: Water Cooperation – Prevent and reconcile conflicts between competing water demands
📅 15 April 2026
⏰ 14:00–15:30 CET
💻 Online
This second webinar focused on a critical question: How do we manage growing competition for water fairly, sustainably, and without conflict?
Panellists:
- Sofía Espinosa, FAO – Global dialogue on water tenure for water and food security.
- Conchita Marcuello, Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Spain – How can competing water demands and needs be reconciled? The example of Spain.
- Blanca Jiménez Cisneros, Ambassador of Mexico to France – Managing water conflicts: a case study on indigenous people’s water rights.
- Gabriel de los Cobos, UNECE Implementation Committee member – Trust and incentives to respond to competing demands: the Genevese aquifer.
- Deborah Mochotlhi, former Department of Water and Sanitation, South Africa – How should climate change scenarios be contemplated to respond to different demands? The example of South Africa.
- Mariana Nogales Paez, AIDA – Human right to water and International Water Law: fostering cooperation between competing demands to secure inclusive and equitable access to water.
Opening remarks:
- Cristiane Collet Battiston, Brazilian National Water and Sanitation Agency / UNESCO-IHP Chairperson
Facilitators:
- Alice Aureli, IWRA
- Tatiana Dmitrieva, UNESCO-IHP
- Mara Tignino, Geneva Water Hub
Rapporteur:
- Gettie Shiinda, University of Leeds
Part 3: Water Cooperation – The Role of Science in Fostering Water Cooperation
📅 Thursday 2 July 2026
⏰ 14:00–15:30 CET
💻 Online
Part 3 of the series explores how science, education, open science, and science diplomacy can strengthen water cooperation and support more sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based water governance and decision-making.
About the webinar series
The quarterly webinar series “Water Cooperation: Overcoming Challenges, Showcasing Achievements, Shaping the Future” comprises four interconnected sessions, each addressing a different dimension of water cooperation:
- Introduction to Water Cooperation (21 January 2026)
- Water Cooperation: Preventing and Reconciling Conflicts Between Competing Water Users (15 April 2026)
- The Role of Science in Fostering Water Cooperation (2 July 2026)
- From Dialogue to Action: Enabling Transboundary Water Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity (TBD)
Together, the webinars trace a clear journey from foundational concepts to action-oriented discussions, drawing on real experiences and innovative insights to show how cooperation can be applied in practice across different contexts and scales.
Contributing to the 2026 UN Water Conference
The Water Cooperation webinar series is designed to make a meaningful contribution to preparations for the upcoming UN Water Conference. By building on shared understanding and grounding discussions in practical experience, the series seeks to generate momentum for more inclusive, informed, and effective approaches to water governance across all levels.
