Latest developments at the United Nations, in New York, mark the next two years
(2012&2013) as “The Years of Water and Environment 2012 and “the Year of Water
Diplomacy”.
In this regard ‘a Technical Paper’ (TP), on "Water Diplomacy: A Tool for Enhancing
Water Peace and Sustainability in the Arab Region'', is prepared and designed to be a
blue print for putting water diplomacy in action, and application through an integrated
management strategy of shared basins. The paper is to focus on the operational side of
implementation, rather than being a mere subject for pedagogic training and capacity
building; which needs new thinking and priorities in the framework of an Arab water
strategy.
To be more specific, the (TP) is initiating a framework for water diplomacy in action,
that takes care of reforms underway, including: developing institutional frameworks
for reform; revision of water laws; implementation of a participatory approach;
harnessing technology to meet local needs; supporting capacity building and training;
and deepening concepts of water diplomacy for actualizing its principles.
I hope this “Technical Paper” would be the basis for opening a candid dialogue
among water professionals, diplomats, decision makers and experts on all aspects of
water diplomacy. The Second Arab Water Forum, as an open forum, will make it
possible for the exchange of ideas and experiences. In this context, ‘the Forum’ is
paving the way for meeting such a tremendous challenge.
We at the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, highly appreciate the valuable role of
the Arab Water Council and encourage their efforts in launching ‘the Technical
Paper’ on the occasion of the 2nd the Arab Water Forum.
H.E. Dr. Tarek Shawki
12-10-2011
Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Arab Countries,
Cairo, Egypt.