📋 Tender Overview
Globally, access to fresh water resources are dwindling due to growing demand, increasing pollution and climate change. The Geneva Water Hub, co-hosted by the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute, is an international center of competence for transboundary water resources management. Through research, education, advocacy and mediation, the Hub addresses water insecurity in water scarce regions, helps to prevent water conflicts and contributes to peace, stability and sustainable development.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Global
Water
Conflict & fragility
Water diplomacy and security
Conflict prevention
Water resources conservation
01.09.2023 - 31.08.2027
CHF 8’410’000
The project in brief
Background The United Nations World Water Development Report 2023 shows that whilst fresh water use has been increasing globally by roughly 1% per year over the last 40 years (population growth and consumption patterns), water scarcity is becoming endemic in many regions as a result of demographic growth, climate change and water pollution. At current rates, progress towards all the targets of SDG 6 (drinking water and sanitation) is significantly off-track and in some areas the rate of implementation needs to quadruple. By 2050, an estimated 40% of the global population will live in regions under constant water stress. In 2017, water scarcity was the key driver of conflict in 45 countries, primarily in the Middle East, Central Asia and in Africa. Water crises do not always involve a physical shortage of water, but are instead the result of poor, unfair or uncoordinated water management, namely governance issues. It is recognised that strong institutions and water diplomacy efforts can mitigate the potential of conflicts caused by competition over scarce water resources. Stronger institutions also bear the potential to address the current gender gap in governance and decision-making in the water sector.
Objectives The GWH seeks to demonstrate the benefits of using water for peace in humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts, with the overall objective that water is shared equitably and spared from armed conflict – so that the conditions for peace and sustainable development may prevail.
Target groups Development actors; Peace building actors; Humanitarian actors
Medium-term outcomes The Hub work towards five outcomes:
Water for Peace Diplomacy is applied.
Policy, law and technical norms and knowledge related to the protection of water during armed conflicts and sanctions is developed.
Policy and law is shaped towards water for peace.
The capacity of people able to act for peace through water is increased.
Science supports the Hub’s mission to mainstream water for peace.
Results Expected results:
International transboundary water arrangements are improved.
The Geneva List of Principles on the Protection of Water Infrastructure are developed and international humanitarian laws actors are trained.
Pôle Eau
