Theme of World Water Week 2024 ‘Overcoming borders: water for a peaceful and sustainable future‘ focuses on water cooperation for peace and security. Join UNCCD and members of the International Alliance Against Drought (IDRA) for the following events highlighting the links between healthy agriculture, water security and drought resilience:

Monday, August 26 11:00-12:30 (GMT+2 hours): Water: A regional public good for peace in West Africa

Drawing on decades of cross-border work in West Africa, the session will present national, regional and international perspectives on the role of water as a catalyst for peace, stable livelihoods and development. The region comprises 28 transboundary river basins covering 71% of its area, making water cooperation critical for the future. With a focus on West Africa, the trend and projections of drought and desertification will be addressed, as well as the role of different actors in proactively tackling drought across all sectors and at all levels.

Tuesday, August 27 16:00–17:30 (GMT+2 hours): A Hydro-Extreme Serious Game: Disaster and Conflict Recovery.

The Hydro Extreme Game highlights the complexity of consensual decisions for integrated disaster management. Players will try to find the best mix of water management solutions to manage both droughts and floods, based on the tools of the UNCCD Drought ToolboxAssociated Program of Flood Management (APFM), Integrated Drought Management Program (IDMP) and the IWRM toolbox.

Wednesday, August 28 08:00–09:00 (GMT+2 hours): Early warning, local action: synergies, strategies for climate shocks.

Increasing climate shocks require action. In different regions, the session will analyse warning systems, actions taken and how local adaptation fits into specific contexts. The results show that integrated approaches are significantly more successful than individual actions. In addition, empowering communities through locally led adaptation ensures relevant and sustainable solutions.

11:00–12:15 (GMT+2 hours), 7A Posthuset, Room 202: Nature for resilient food, land and water.

15:00-17:30 (GMT+2 hours): Presentations on the upcoming Drought Resilience +10 Conference (30 September – 2 October. Geneva, Switzerland) with representatives from WMO, UNCCD and GWP

Thursday, August 29 11:40–12:40 (GMT+2 hours): Live studio talk show: Strengthening drought resilience across borders and sectors.

This session will explore cross-border, collaborative approaches to proactively address drought at all levels, particularly by bringing together early warning, prevention and response, and by building drought resilience. The discussion will be informed by joint activities of the participating organizations, including UNCCD, United Nations University and The Nature Conservancy.

Check out the full program and details of the sessions listed above. Here.