Contribution to the Geneva Water Hub (2023-2027)


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. 

Paese/Regione Tema Periodo Budget
Mondo
Acqua
Conflitto & fragilitá
Diplomazia e sicurezza dell'acqua
Prevenzione dei conflitti
Conservazione delle risorse idriche
01.09.2023 - 31.08.2027
CHF  8’410’000
Contesto 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. 
Obiettivi 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. 
Gruppi target Development actors; Peace building actors; Humanitarian actors  
Effetti a medio termine

The Hub work towards five outcomes:

  1. Water for Peace Diplomacy is applied
  2. Policy, law and technical norms and knowledge related to the protection of water during armed conflicts and sanctions is developed
  3. Policy and law is shaped towards water for peace
  4. The capacity of people able to act for peace through water is increased
  5. Science supports the Hub’s mission to mainstream water for peace
Risultati

Risultati principali attesi:  

  • 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 Dakar’s 5-year strategy is supported and complemented
  • The Global High Level Panel on Water and Peace or similar influential group is re-established
  • A research agenda for water for peace is set and influences policy-makers


Risultati fasi precedenti:  

Founded in 2014, the Geneva Water Hub has established itself as a unique Swiss-based centre of competence specialised in hydro-diplomacy. Its main achievements include support to:

  • The Global High Level Panel on Water and Peace and its seminal publication A Matter of Survival
  • The ground-breaking agreement over the Senegalese-Mauritanian Aquifer Basin signed in Geneva in 2021
  • The Geneva List of Principles on the Protection of Water Infrastructure published in 2019
  • The Global Observatory for Water and Peace, a network of organizations worldwide dedicated to water for peace
  • The training of over 50’000 people through the variety of courses it offers with the University of Geneva
  • The establishment of the Pôle Eau Dakar, a think tank based in Senegal covering the sub-region and concentrating expertise on water research and policy influencing


Direzione/Ufficio responsabile DSC
Partner del progetto Partner contrattuale
Economia privata
Instituzione universitaria e di ricerca svizzera
  • Settore privato svizzero
  • University of Geneva


Coordinamento con altri progetti e attori SDC Blue Peace Initiative 
Budget Fase in corso Budget Svizzera CHF    8’410’000 Budget svizzero attualmente già speso CHF    1’700’000 Progetto totale dalla prima fase Budget Svizzera CHF   18’020’000 Budget inclusi partner del progetto CHF   24’360’000
Fasi del progetto Fase 1 01.09.2023 - 31.08.2027   (Fase in corso)