Under the patronage of Professor Khalid El-Salem, President of Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), the second edition of the Water-Peace Dialogue Series officially commenced on Monday, 29 June 2026, at Alkaramah Auditorium on the university campus under the theme:

“Regional Waters and Climate Resilience: Leveraging Cooperation for Risk Reduction."

The Dialogue Series is organized by the Water Diplomacy Center (WDC) at Jordan University of Science and Technology under the Blue Peace Middle East Initiative, with the support of the Government of Switzerland and in cooperation with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). The event brings together high-level official delegations, experts, and practitioners from Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Türkiye.

This second edition builds on the success of the first Water-Peace Dialogue, which was held in Istanbul, Türkiye, in 2025, reaffirming ongoing regional efforts to strengthen water cooperation and build trust among countries in addressing shared challenges, particularly those related to climate change and water-related disasters.

In his opening remarks, Professor Khalid El-Salem, President of JUST, welcomed the participants and expressed the University's pride in hosting this important regional event, which reflects its mission of serving society and promoting scientific and diplomatic cooperation. He emphasized that, through the Water Diplomacy Center, the University seeks to harness scientific research and academic expertise to support water policies and strengthen the capacity of countries in the region to address the impacts of climate change. He stressed that regional cooperation represents the most effective approach to addressing transboundary challenges and noted that the University's efforts are aligned with Jordan's national priorities in advancing water security, scientific diplomacy, and international partnerships.

For his part, Professor Mutawakil Obeidat, Director of the Water Diplomacy Center, emphasized that the water and climate challenges facing the region are no longer merely national issues but shared challenges that require effective regional partnerships and continuous dialogue based on knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and trust-building among countries. He also highlighted the Water Diplomacy Center's role as a regional platform that brings together decision-makers, experts, and academics to foster cooperation and turn shared challenges into opportunities for development and peace. The Center continues to develop scientific and diplomatic initiatives that support policymakers and strengthen regional cooperation in transboundary water management.

In turn, H.E. Emilija Georgieva, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, reaffirmed the Swiss Government's commitment to supporting the Blue Peace Middle East Initiative, noting that transboundary cooperation and sustained dialogue among countries constitute the foundation for building resilience to climate change impacts and reducing water-related risks.

H.E. Mr. Mohammed Amin Fares Amin, Chair of the Blue Peace Middle East Managing Committee, stressed that the water and climate challenges facing the region require enhanced collective action and the development of effective regional cooperation mechanisms. He underscored that dialogue and mutual understanding are key pathways toward achieving water security and regional stability.

Ms. Alice Jaraiseh, representative of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), highlighted the importance of international partnerships and knowledge exchange in supporting transboundary water management efforts, strengthening capacities, and developing innovative solutions to address climate-related risks and water-related disasters.

The Water-Peace Dialogue Series serves as a regional platform to strengthen participants' capacities to engage in dialogue and cooperation on water issues across the Middle East, and to enable them to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities that contribute to water security and regional stability. The series is based on the understanding that cooperation is not a fixed concept but rather a long-term process for building resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of shared challenges. Priorities differ according to national and regional contexts and roles, while governance serves as the overarching framework through which disaster risk reduction efforts are advanced.

Over four days, the Dialogue Series will address issues related to regional waters, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction, while also providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and present national priorities in water resources management and regional cooperation.

The Dialogue further reflects the Water Diplomacy Center's commitment to its role as a regional hub for knowledge and dialogue and as a platform that brings together researchers, policymakers, and international institutions to develop innovative solutions to water and climate challenges in the region, contributing to enhanced water security, peace, and sustainable development, based on the conviction that water can serve as a tool for cooperation and peacebuilding rather than a source of conflict.

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