Beirut, 6 March 2020--Water resources in the Arab region are characterized by scarcity and disparate geographic distribution. The demand for water and the competition over water access are ever-increasing, due to many factors including rapid population growth. So is the need for increased cooperation on the management of transboundary water resources. Against this backdrop, ESCWA and partners held two workshops on the subject, in Beirut, from 3 to 5 March.
 
The first workshop, organized in cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Global Water Partnership - Mediterranean (GWP-Med), discussed progress, challenges and opportunities for enhancing transboundary water cooperation in the region. It gathered participants from ministries responsible for water resources management, ministries of foreign affairs, parliamentarians and basin organizations. The second one-day workshop, held in cooperation with UNECE and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), focused on monitoring and implementation of the SDGs in the Arab region, particularly SDG 6.
 
The two events featured presentations, panel discussions, general sessions and interactive side sessions, which allowed for an in-depth discussion of cross-border water management and of the different tools and approaches used and ways to improve them, as well as for the exchange of experiences in this vital area.
 

For more information:
- Ms. Maryam Sleiman, Public Information Assistant, +961-81-769-888; email: sleiman2@un.org
- Ms. Rania Harb, Public Information Assistant, +961-70-008-879; email: harb1@un.org