​

In continuation of the Blue Peace Middle East Capacity Development project activities, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Water Diplomacy Center (WDC) at Jordan University of Science and Technology is pleased to announce its third training course: “Water Diplomacy Workshop: A Theory-Practice Synthesis for Actionable Outcomes."

This intensive 4-day course, from June 2nd to 5th, 2024 which will be held in Mariott Amman Hotel, is designed to equip mid- to high-level water professionals and representatives from Ministries of Water, Irrigation, and Foreign Affairs across the region. Participants from the blue peace partner countries Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and Türkiye.

Sharpen Skills & Navigate Water Challenges

The workshop offers a unique blend of theory and practical application, combining academic insights with real-world case studies and negotiation exercises. Participants will gain valuable expertise in water diplomacy, including:

• Water Diplomacy Expertise: Learn the principles and tools to manage boundary-crossing water resources effectively.
• Deepen your understanding of legal framework of transboundary water resources.
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation: Develop strategies for resolving water conflicts, preventing future disputes, and promoting cooperation.
• Regional Collaboration: Gain actionable insights into specific water challenges facing the Middle East and North Africa region.
• Case Studies: Explore real-world scenarios from the Jordan, Yarmouk, and EuphratesTigris basins to show why and how context matters.

Prominent Speakers Share Their Expertise

The workshop boasts a distinguished faculty featuring renowned water diplomacy experts like:

• Prof. Islam Shafiq: Professor of water diplomacy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
• Prof. Majed Abu-Zreig: President of Irbid National University and Professor of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology
• Dr Shaddad Al-Attili: Lead Palestinian negotiator for water at the Negotiation Department of the PLO and an international activist and consultant in the fields of environment, transboundary waters and Climate change.
• Dr. Bruno Verdini: Lecturer of Urban Planning and Negotiation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Dr. Aysegul Kibaroglu: Professor and faculty member in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at MEF University Istanbul, Türkiye.
• Dr. Alexandra Campbell-Ferrari: Executive Director of the Center for Water Security and Cooperation (CWSC) and Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School.
• Dr. Serena Sandri: Associate Professor, Department of Logistics, German Jordanian University.
• Dr. Luay Ali Hussien: Political Consultant - Department of Water & International Convention, Ministry of Water Resources

Empowering Regional Collaboration

By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge, the workshop aims to:

• Equip participants with negotiation and conflict resolution skills to address water challenges in the region.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among water professionals and decision-makers from different countries.
• Develop the capacity to analyze past and present water agreements to learn from successes and challenges.
• Equip participants with tools and strategies to prevent future conflicts and promote cooperation in managing shared water resources.

Our 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡e Course:

- The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC): SDC majorly funds the centre through a four-year capacity-building project within the Blue Peace Middle East initiative. One of the project's activities is the training course “Water Diplomacy Workshop: A Theory-Practice Synthesis for Actionable Outcomes" one of eight courses.

- Blue Peace Middle East (BPME): The Water Diplomacy Center (WDC) is the research and education pillar of the Blue Peace Middle East initiative.

- Water Diplomacy -Tufts University: Tufts University stands out as a pioneer in environmental leadership, boasting a rich history dating back to 1962. It offers a unique Water Diplomacy program. This program trains future water professionals to think across disciplines, integrate various knowledge sets, and find solutions through collaborative negotiations.