Interactive Online Session: International Water Law and Infrastructure

GWP and the International Water Law Academy (IWLA) of Wuhan University are co-organizing an interactive online series called the "Transboundary Freshwater Security Governance Train". The series is conducted in an approach of a ‘train’ stopping at various locations around the world, focusing on topics related to transboundary freshwater security. At each stop, a different topic from the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for Governance for Transboundary Freshwater Security is explored. The 5th session is on infrastructure and the implementation of legal commitments, and it takes place on 18 May.

Water is fundamental for development, with transboundary waters acting as a natural connection between states. However, when one state seeks to develop waters it shares with another state, some impact is inevitable. The purpose of this session is to explore the different ways in which states can develop infrastructure on their transboundary waters, and to exchange experience, best practice and challenges faced regarding transboundary water development.

Questions will be collected in advance (through the MOOC platform) and during the 1.5-hour-long session. Panelists will provide brief presentations and then the floor is open to questions in breakout rooms, which offers an opportunity to engage directly with regional experts.

WHEN: Tuesday, 18 May, at 05:00 (Washington DC), 06:00 (Rio de Janeiro), 10:00 (London), 11:00 (Stockholm), 11:00 (Johannesburg), 17:00 (Beijing)

WHAT: The session will feature speakers with different experiences to share, discussing the following topics:

  · What are the international legal frameworks that are relevant to transboundary water infrastructure projects?

  ·  What are the obligations and rights of states regarding developing their transboundary waters?

  ·  What best practices are available to minimize impact on a state’s neighbors, communities, and the environment?

HOW: Registration is required, please use this link.

WHO: The speakers are (please note additions/changes may still occur):

  ·  Dr. Yumiko Yasuda (Event moderator), Senior Network & Transboundary Water Cooperation Specialist, Global Water Partnership

  ·   Professor Patricia Wouters (Co-chair), Director, International Water Law Academy, Wuhan University

  ·   Dr. David J Devlaeminck (Co-chair), School of Law, Chongqing University

  ·   Ana Maria Daza Vargas, School of Law, Edinburgh University

  ·  Phera Ramoeli, Executive Secretary, Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM)

  ·  Pech Sokhem, Affiliate Member of International Water Law Academy, Wuhan University; Senior Water and Climate Change Consultant (Canada).