The Water Governance in Uncertain Times workshop concluded its fifth and final day at the Water Diplomacy Center, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), with a closing ceremony that brought together professionals from ministries and diplomats representing the Blue Peace Middle East countries (Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Türkiye).

Over the course of the week, participants engaged in an intensive program designed to bridge theory and practice. Dr. Gabriela Cuadrado Quesada and Dr. Alexander Meland led sessions on “From Theory to Practice: Unravelling Case Studies of Water Governance" with examples from Costa Rica, India, the Netherlands, and Australia, as well as group work on “Analysing Water Governance in Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine." Their lectures and facilitation enabled participants to critically compare governance approaches across different contexts and apply theoretical insights to regional challenges.

The program also included a simulation role-play exercise in which participants assumed the perspectives of diverse water governance stakeholders, strengthening skills in negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution. A field trip to the Yarmouk River gave participants the chance to observe the river firsthand and to reflect on its critical importance as a transboundary water resource.

At the closing ceremony, participants reflected on the week's activities and emphasized the importance of collaboration, inclusive governance, and adaptive strategies in addressing shared water challenges under uncertainty. Certificates of participation and appreciation were formally presented to participants and organizers by Prof. Mutawakil Obeidat, WDC Director; Prof. Wasim Barham, Education Lead; Mrs. Hana Omari, Head of Training and Media Section; and Ms. Fawzia Ammoura, Head of Projects and Research Section.

The ceremony underscored the workshop's success in fostering dialogue, building professional capacity, and reinforcing a shared commitment to resilient and sustainable water governance beyond the event. By bringing together academics, practitioners, and diplomats, the workshop created a platform for continued engagement on water diplomacy and governance in the Middle East and globally.

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