Bridging borders: an introduction to water diplomacy
Interactive PowerPoint presentation providing an introduction to the main water diplomacy concepts, doctrines, principles and practices
Available on-site and online in July 2023
Updated on 29 March 2023
Targeted audience
This lecture is intended for a wide audience, including policymakers, diplomats, water professionals, academics and students, as well as anyone interested in water management and diplomacy, geopolitics, and sustainable development.
What you'll learnIn this 1 hour (approximately) lecture on introducing water diplomacy (or hydrodiplomacy), you will gain insight into this rising domain at the crossroads between diplomacy and water resources management. You will learn about its significance in preventing conflicts and promoting effective transboundary water cooperation, with a focus on developing countries. We will explore the cooperation doctrines and principles of water law, highlighting the institutional aspects and the role of international river basin organizations. Furthermore, we will delve into the tools and methods of water diplomacy, including negotiation, communication, information sharing, and collaborative planning. By the end of the lecture, you will have a foundational understanding of water diplomacy and how it can be applied to address real-world water-related challenges in the context of international rivers in developing countries.
Lecture duration and locationThe standard duration of the course is around 1 hour, including discussions and iteractions with me. This duration can be tailored to your organization's needs.
Join us online via Zoom or for an on-site live presentation in your organization.
Contact me now to discus how you personally or your organization can benefit from this lecture alone or combined with other lectures on water diplomacy.
Lecture content
This lecture provides a comprehensive examination of various aspects of the transboundary cooperation and conflict prevention related to the Mekong River. The course is divided into the following chapters:
I. IntroductionDefinition and importance of water diplomacyObjectives and scope of the lecture
II. Cooperation Doctrines and Principles of Water LawOverview of cooperation doctrinesPrinciples of water lawThe role of international agreements and treaties
III. Institutional Aspects of Water DiplomacyThe role of international river basin organizationsCooperation frameworks and agreements
IV. Tools and Methods of Water DiplomacyNegotiation and communicationInformation sharing and transparencyCollaborative planning and management
V. Case Studies: Real-World Applications of Water Diplomacy in Developing CountriesExamples of successful water diplomacy initiativesChallenges and opportunities for effective water diplomacy in developing countries
VI. ConclusionKey takeaways and implications for water diplomacy in developing countries
RequirementsThere are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, it is recommended that participants have a basic understanding of environmental issues, water management, or related fields.