The Water Convention, serviced by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, recently partnered on a training on Water Governance and International Water Law (IWL) for improved transboundary water management in Africa convened by the Global Water Partnership’s (GWP) Eastern Africa office and with the support of the host country, Uganda.
From 19-23 September, the training was organized by GWP together with other partners, including: Ministry of Water and the Environment, Uganda; African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD); CapNet; European Union; Geneva Water Hub; IHE Delft Institute for Water Education; Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD); Makerere University (Uganda); Nile Basin Initiative (NBI); Northumbria University (UK); and University of Kinshasa (DRC).
The Water Convention was able to support the costs of eight selected participants from priority countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia) that are currently acceding to and/or engaging in the Water Convention as well as those who have expressed interest in accession through the financial assistance of the European Union. The primary target audience for this training was transboundary water practitioners from African countries. In particular, personnel from line ministries River Basin Organizations, and respective regional integration organizations and economic commissions that have roles in implementing transboundary investment projects were encouraged to participate. The training was conducted in both English and French with simultaneous interpretation to ensure broad representation.
The regional training was aimed at strengthening capacities of institutions of countries and basin organizations in Africa in addressing issues related to transboundary water resources management through enhancing knowledge and skills necessary for promoting cooperation among countries.
The training builds on previous versions of this training which the Water Convention regularly partners on and is aligned with the emerging needs of Africa to facilitate transboundary water investments and better recognise the role of groundwater in integrated water resources management.
The training was held for the first time both in person (Entebbe) and virtually as well as being conducted in both English and French with simultaneous interpretation, both elements allowing for a diverse participation of trainees from across Africa.
Participants were expected to perform some preparation work before the training, including the Massive Open Online Course on Governance for Transboundary Freshwater Security (French version available from CapNet Virtual campus) and the online training on international water law, developed by the University of Geneva, Geneva Water Hub.
More information can be found at GWP training summary webpage and in the event announcement.