“The Paradox of Climate Change: Spoiler or Driver of Transboundary Water Cooperation?”

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is scheduled to take place from July 10 to July 19, 2023, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. Together with the Slovenian ambassador-at-large for Water Diplomacy, two GDL Members will be hosting a side-event.

The forum will focus on accelerating the recovery from COVID-19 and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels. It will address the impacts of the pandemic on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide policy guidance for their full implementation. Additionally, the forum will conduct in-depth reviews of specific goals related to water and sanitation, clean energy, industry and infrastructure, sustainable cities, and partnerships. Various countries will present voluntary national reviews (VNRs) of their progress on the 2030 Agenda.

On July 18, GDL Members Kathryn Friedman and ElsaMarie D’Silva alongside Slovenian ambassador-at-large for Water Diplomacy, Tanja Miškova, are hosting a side-event that will focus on the topic “The Paradox of Climate Change: Spoiler or Driver of Transboundary Water Cooperation?” and address the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change in transboundary river systems. Only one-third of these systems have cooperative management frameworks, hindering adaptation efforts. However, climate change can also foster cross-border cooperation and innovative solutions. The event aims to explore this paradox, discuss mitigation strategies, and leverage the Water Convention and scientific tools for cooperation.