Irbid, Jordan - May 6, 2024 - The inaugural session of the highly anticipated training course, "International Water Law and Water Conventions," commenced yesterday, May 5, 2024, at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). Organized by the Water Diplomacy Center, the week-long program has drawn participants from both local and regional spheres.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ajlouni, Vice President of Jordan University of Science and Technology, presided over the opening ceremony on behalf of University President. Extending a warm welcome to esteemed guests, lecturers, and participants hailing from nations actively engaged in the Blue Peace Initiative, Dr. Al-Ajlouni reaffirmed the university's steadfast commitment to supporting initiatives that illuminate critical water-related issues. He commended the center for its dedication in orchestrating this workshop amidst the prevailing regional challenges.

Dr. Majed Abu Zreig, Director of the Blue Peace Middle East Capacity Development Project, extended his greetings to attendees, elucidating the vision and mission of the Water Diplomacy Center. Providing insights into the objectives and anticipated outcomes of the course, Dr. Abu Zreig underscored its significance within the framework of the Blue Peace ME project, aimed at enhancing local capacities in water diplomacy. He also shed light on forthcoming activities within the project, including the imminent launch of a Master's program in Water Diplomacy during the upcoming academic year.

Further enriching the ceremony, Dr. Susanne Schmeier, a distinguished water expert from the IHE Delft Institute, delivered an engaging address expressing gratitude to the organizers while emphasizing the course's pivotal focus on international water law and global agreements.

Building upon the success of its precursor, the "Water Conflicts and Cooperation" course held in 2023, the "International Water Law and Water Conventions" course targets professionals from various sectors, including researchers, engineers, and diplomats representing partner countries of the Blue Peace Initiative. With 24 participants from nations such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Jordan, this year's program also includes six participants enrolled in the Blue Peace Middle East Youth Fellowship Program.

Featuring presentations and expertise from specialists at the IHE Delft Institute and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the course curriculum was meticulously crafted to address the evolving challenges in water diplomacy. Notably, the course material was prepared in collaboration with Dr. Susanne Schmeier from the IHE.

These courses are part of the Blue Peace ME Capacity Development project, generously sponsored by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

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