Water Diplomacy Center Launches Two New Publications to Advance Transboundary Water Cooperation
The Glossary of Water Diplomacy serves as a specialized academic and practical reference in both Arabic and English, bringing together hundreds of terms drawn from international water law, hydrology, environmental governance, negotiation theory, climate science, and political analysis. It has been designed as a working tool for researchers, diplomats, policymakers, practitioners, and students engaged in transboundary water cooperation.
The publication addresses a clear gap in the specialized Arabic literature. Although the Arabic-speaking world is home to some of the most water-stressed countries globally, the field of water diplomacy has long lacked a consolidated bilingual reference to support policymakers and practitioners. By standardizing terminology and concepts across this evolving field, the Glossary aims to foster a shared understanding among riparian states and strengthen pathways for regional negotiation and cooperation in the face of increasing water scarcity and climate change challenges across the Middle East and North Africa.
The second publication, "The 1992 UN Water Convention: Benefits and Guidance to Accession," provides a structured and practical overview of the Convention and its role in promoting cooperation over shared water resources in the face of growing water demand, climate change, and increasing water scarcity. The publication highlights the key benefits of accession, including strengthened institutional capacity, enhanced cooperation mechanisms, and access to international support networks. It further outlines the obligations of Parties under the Convention, the procedural steps required for accession, and the actors that can support countries throughout the accession process. Drawing on practical experiences, including the case of Iraq's accession, the publication serves as a valuable reference and practical guide for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to advance sustainable and cooperative transboundary water governance.
Through these two publications, the Water Diplomacy Center reaffirms its role as a regional hub for knowledge generation and capacity building in water diplomacy and underscores its commitment to developing practical and scientific tools that promote dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable management of shared water resources.