UNDP Facilitates South-South Cooperation on Water Management
In a significant move towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has facilitated a South-South knowledge exchange between Ethiopia and China. SDG 6 aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all as a basic human right.
Ethiopia, often referred to as the water tower of Africa, has several policies, strategies, and guidelines in place, along with pilot programs and projects related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Investments are also being made in hydro-power, irrigation, and water supply.
However, more efforts are needed to fully deliver on the commitments around SDG 6.UNDP’s interest in water stems from the understanding that it is the entry point for the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. UNDP-Ethiopia’s extensive climate portfolio seeks to help the country address institutional and capacity gaps to effectively address the water issue with a focus on climate-smart agriculture and integrated watershed management.
The interventions have targeted local communities, helping them diversify their income and create employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth. Supported interventions are also helping to mitigate the impact of drought and increase food security, with investments in water storage infrastructure for multiple uses ranging from drinking water to irrigation, and deployment of innovative and efficient water resource management approaches.
A Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Water Management for Localizing the SDGs Symposium was held in Nan’an, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China from 25 to 26 January 2024. The event, part of UNDP’s ongoing Water Governance Programme in China, was hosted by UNDP with contributions from JOMOO Group.
The international symposium created opportunities for key stakeholders, including international organisations, think tanks, government policymakers, NGOs, and Chinese enterprises to exchange knowledge, experiences, and innovative solutions around water management.
Participants from Ethiopia included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Health, as well as staff from UNDP Ethiopia. During the knowledge-sharing sessions, participants exchanged perspectives and priorities on Ethiopia’s WASH practices. The symposium also explored expectations to tap into South-South Triangular Cooperation to facilitate global exchange and sharing of best practices.
Participants also visited several tech demonstration sites in China, showcasing the successful application of various technologies in water governance, and engaged with local authorities. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring sustainable water management and sanitation for all.
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Source: This news article is authored by UNDP and was originally published on their website.