#WorldWaterDay | #WaterForPeace

Opening Speech of “The Future of Sustainability of Water, Agriculture & Food: Water for Peace” virtual panel by PROF. OLCAY ÜNVER, Arizona State University;

Former Vice-Chair, UN-Water, and Member, Water Policy Group

Background: The virtual panel, “The Future of Sustainability of Water, Agriculture & Food: Water for Peace”, which was presented on March 24, 2024, aimed to contribute toward water awareness, building water conscience, and enhancing the general public understanding of the critical role and basic life form and appreciation of water in general. In connection with, “Water For Peace”, the LMGlobal.Org strongly thinks that without securing clean and affordable water and sustainable food for all, consequently, we cannot achieve the SDGS, or world peace, which are not separable and tied one to another such as skin and bond.
Through this panel, each speaker contributed from a different perspective in terms of country, theme-related field, and expertise along with crosscutting diverse issues.
We sought and received answer to one of the core questions on ‘how we can contribute toward increased behavior change in the minds of the governments, policymakers, businesses, scientific, engineering, and technology communities, and all users and consumers of water’ based on each respected country and/or instutution’s stand point. – (Based on the Description and the Concept of the Panel)

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished participants, 

[LMGlobal.Org] Welcome to this virtual panel on “The Future of Sustainability of Water, Agriculture & Food: Water for Peace.” 

Water, the very essence of life, transcends all boundaries, nourishing our bodies, powering industries, and sustaining ecosystems.

Today, we will talk about how water serves as a conduit for harmony, connecting communities and fostering peace.

This lifeblood of our planet cuts across sectors like food, energy, health and the environment, reminding us of our interconnected well-being.

Today, we’ll examine water’s critical role in sustaining our health, prosperity, and the very fabric of life on Earth. From public health to economic productivity, from food security to energy systems, a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle is the linchpin of our interconnected world. Our well-being, prosperity, and environmental integrity depend on it.

Water security demands cooperation that extends beyond political boundaries and encompasses all sectors. When we unite around water, we can balance everyone’s needs for agriculture, energy production, and environmental conservation. 

Last year’s UN Water Conference marked a crucial turning point. It highlighted the water and sanitation crisis and its impact on sustainable development, urging collaboration and action for a water-secure future for all. 

The 2024 UN World Water Development Report “Water for Prosperity and Peace“,  which was just unveiled offers valuable insights into water’s multifaceted role. I’d like to offer highlights from its messages.

• Water Equals Abundance: It fosters prosperity by meeting basic human needs, supporting livelihoods, and driving economic development. Water underpins food and energy security while safeguarding environmental integrity.

• Social Well-Being Through Equitable Water Access: Equitable access to water resources and safe, affordable water supply and sanitation services are essential for supporting health, welfare, and cultural integrity. Ensuring social well-being contributes to peaceful outcomes.

• Environmental Integrity: The Foundation for Resilience The environment’s ability to maintain its natural functions is crucial for our resilience and security. Climate change and social conditions significantly impact environmental integrity.

• Cooperation and Diplomacy: Building Peace Through Water Management Water can contribute to peace by motivating cooperation and diplomacy. However, inequalities in water allocation, access, and distribution can hinder peace and social stability.

• Opportunities Amid Challenges: Building Resilience Through Water Global events and disruptions magnify water risks but also create opportunities for enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity. Fostering prosperity through water contributes to peaceful outcomes.

• Beyond Water Management: A Holistic Approach Leveraging water for prosperity and peace requires actions beyond water management. Economic performance, social well-being, and environmental integrity are all interconnected with water security.

As we explore these messages, we recognize that water is not merely a resource – it’s a bridge that connects us all. By safeguarding water, we pave the way toward a more sustainable and compassionate world.