This Thursday, the 16th July 2020, marked the final day of a three day workshop focused on transboundary water governance at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), utilizing the latest videoconference platforms as is the new normal during global COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The online workshop is one of a series of workshops designed to build knowledge and capacity for participants, as well as promote integrated management of transboundary water resources, with specific focus on international water law and water diplomacy.
Professor Saeb Khresat, the President of JUST, opened the workshop with the announcement of university´s newest dedicated thematic institution, the Water Diplomacy Centre (WDC), which was established at the end of 2019 with the generous support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) as part of its vast number of Blue Peace initiatives. Highlighting the importance of the water sector, President Khresat stated the "sector plays a large role in the sustainable growth for any country", and "this is especially important for Jordan, as it is considered one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of the per capita share of water for its growing population".
The Dean of the College of Engineering and the Director of the WDC, Prof. Suhil Kiwan, also spoke about the vision of the Centre in addressing the uncoordinated use of shared water resources, as well as the future aspirations that the WDC seeks to become a regional center for coordinating research and studies and to provide knowledge building workshops in the field of water and diplomacy in the Middle East. Professor Kiwan further emphasized that the centre aims to update the knowledge and enhance the ability of decision-makers in addressing issues related to integrated water resource management and transboundary cooperation as part of the regions commitment to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goal 6 ("Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all").
Workshop on tranboundary water governance concludes at JUST.
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