IGAD to Convene 3rd Water Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 19-21, 2025 – IGAD

the Intergovernmental Authority on Progress (IGAD) is set to convene its highly anticipated 3rd Water Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 19 to 21, 2025. This pivotal event aims to address the pressing challenges and opportunities surrounding water resource management in the East African region. With climate change, population growth, and increasing economic demands straining water availability, the forum will bring together government officials, water resource experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to engage in critical discussions and collaborative solutions. As nations grapple with the impacts of water scarcity and seek sustainable management practices,the 3rd Water Forum represents a crucial platform for fostering dialogue,sharing best practices,and promoting regional cooperation in addressing water-related issues.

IGAD’s Vision for Sustainable Water Management in the Horn of Africa

As the Horn of Africa grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and economic development, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) envisions a future where sustainable water management emerges as a cornerstone of regional stability and resilience. By prioritizing collaborative frameworks and innovative water governance, IGAD aims to harmonize water resource management practices across member states. This initiative promotes the integration of scientific research, customary knowledge, and the participation of local communities to ensure that water resources are utilized efficiently and equitably.

Key objectives of IGAD’s sustainable water management vision include:

• Enhancing Regional Cooperation: fostering partnerships among member states to share best practices and technologies related to water management.
• Improving Water Security: Implementing strategies to safeguard water resources, promoting resilience against climate variability.
• Empowering Local Communities: Involving local populations in decision-making processes to create sustainable solutions tailored to community needs.
• Promoting Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Ensuring holistic approaches that consider social, economic, and environmental factors in water resource planning.

Key Themes and objectives of the Upcoming Water Forum

The upcoming Water Forum aims to address several critical themes that are essential for managing water resources effectively in the IGAD region. One of the core themes will focus on innovative strategies for sustainable water management. This includes discussions on the integration of modern technologies in water conservation practices. Additionally, the forum will emphasize the importance of transboundary water cooperation to ensure equitable access to water resources among member states. Stakeholders will engage in dialogues surrounding regulatory frameworks that promote collaboration across borders.

Moreover, another important objective of the forum is to elevate community participation in water governance. By fostering a sense of ownership among local populations, the forum seeks to encourage grassroots initiatives that complement national and regional efforts. Key topics will include the role of women in water management and the impact of climate change on water scarcity. The following table summarizes the major themes and objectives to be covered:

Stakeholder perspectives: Engaging communities and Governments in water Solutions

As the region grapples with water scarcity and climate change impacts,the upcoming forum presents an crucial platform for diverse stakeholders to come together. Engaging local communities, government officials, NGOs, and experts will be critical in formulating sustainable solutions that are contextually relevant. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, success stories, and innovative practices in water management, fostering a spirit of collaboration and co-creation. Key topics for discussion will include:

• Community Water Practices – Highlighting grassroots initiatives that have successfully addressed local water challenges.
• Government Policies – Examining regulatory frameworks that support sustainable water management.
• partnerships – Exploring how collaborative efforts between different sectors can lead to scalable water solutions.

The forum will also facilitate a structured dialogue between community leaders and policymakers, ensuring that local voices are not only heard but actively shape the strategies that affect their lives. This interactive approach is intended to enhance trust and foster ongoing partnerships, creating a robust network of advocates for integrated water resource management across the IGAD region. The agenda will also include a series of panel discussions and workshops featuring:

Innovative Technologies and Best Practices in Water Resource Management

The management of water resources has evolved dramatically with the advent of innovative technologies that address both scarcity and sustainability challenges. Among these, remote sensing, smart irrigation systems, and real-time data analytics stand out as pivotal tools for enhancing efficiency. Through the use of satellite imaging and AI-driven data interpretation, stakeholders can gain critical insights into water availability, usage patterns, and even predictive models for future water needs. This technological integration is vital for devising targeted strategies that minimize wastage and enhance conservation efforts across diverse ecosystems.

Best practices in water resource management emphasize community engagement and collaborative governance. Initiatives such as participatory water budgeting, multi-stakeholder platforms, and cross-border water cooperation have proven essential in fostering obvious interaction and decision-making among various stakeholders. These methods not only empower local communities but also streamline the sharing of resources and knowledge across regions, particularly in transboundary river basins. Emphasizing integrated management frameworks ensures that both social and environmental dimensions are considered, promoting a holistic approach to sustainability that can be adapted to various local contexts.

Recommendations for Collaborative regional Efforts in Addressing Water Scarcity

in the face of escalating water scarcity challenges, regional collaboration emerges as a crucial pathway towards sustainable solutions. Stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities, must engage in integrated water resource management by sharing data, pooling resources, and leveraging collective expertise. By establishing joint action plans,regions can optimize water use,maintain ecosystems,and ensure that all sectors have equitable access to this vital resource. Regular workshops and collaborative training sessions on best practices should be implemented to empower local communities and water management authorities.

Moreover, it is indeed essential to establish a framework for policy harmonization among IGAD member states to address fragmented water governance. This can be achieved through:

• creating a regional water governance platform to facilitate dialogue and cooperation.
• Developing transboundary agreements to manage shared water bodies effectively.
• Encouraging investment in infrastructure projects aimed at water conservation and storage.

Encouraging public-private partnerships will also play a significant role in funding and implementing innovative water solutions, leading to resilient water systems that can adapt to the demands of a changing climate.

Future Outlook: Strengthening IGAD’s Role in Water Governance and Policy Development

As IGAD gears up for its 3rd Water Forum, set to take place in Addis Ababa from May 19-21, 2025, the focus will be on enhancing the organization’s capacity to address water governance challenges across the region.key objectives for the forum will include:

• Fostering collaboration among member states to develop sustainable water policies.
• Sharing innovative approaches in water resource management.
• Promoting the integration of local communities in the decision-making processes.
• Identifying and addressing the impacts of climate change on water security.

With increasing pressures on water resources due to population growth, urbanization, and climate variability, IGAD recognizes the urgent need to reinforce its leadership in water governance. The forum will serve as a platform for stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and academics, to engage in meaningful dialogue. To support this vision,the agenda will also cover:

By addressing these pressing issues,the upcoming forum is poised to strengthen IGAD’s role in fostering a cooperative habitat that ensures equitable access to water resources and sustainable development practices across Eastern Africa.

In Conclusion

As the IGAD prepares to convene the 3rd Water Forum in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia,from May 19-21,2025,expectations are high for a transformative dialogue on water security and collaborative management in the region. This event marks a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to address the pressing challenges of water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable resource management through enhanced regional cooperation.The convergence of government officials, experts, and civil society will provide a platform for innovative solutions and best practices aimed at securing water resources for future generations. As the countdown to the forum begins, all eyes are on Addis Ababa, where the vital discussions set to unfold promise to shape the future of water governance in East Africa.