7th Annual Water and Peace Seminar 2025 underway in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: The 7th Annual Water and Peace Seminar 2025, titled 'Diplomacy, Dialogue, Discourses: Exploring Potentials and Challenges for Inclusive Water Cooperation,' began in Kathmandu on Wednesday. 

The two-day seminar is part of a week-long programme that commenced on March 24 and will conclude on April 1. It has brought together experts, civil society representatives, policymakers, and academics from around the globe to discuss the future of water diplomacy, with a particular focus on South Asia.

Discussions are centred on transboundary water cooperation, inclusivity, and fostering sustainable collaboration over shared water resources. Prof Sanjay Chaturvedi, Vice President (Outreach) at South Asian University (SAU), emphasised the significance of hosting the event in Nepal, home to the Himalayas—the world's largest source of freshwater—positioning the country as a potential hub for critical dialogue and discussions.

Medha Bisht, Associate Professor at the SAU and convener of the seminar, stressed the need for a paradigmatic shift in water diplomacy regarding Himalayan rivers in South Asia. She highlighted that the deliberations would enable participants to gain insights into regional best practices and understand the challenges around inclusivity and participation.

Susanne Schemeir, Head of the Water Governance Department at IHE Delft, remarked, “It is wonderful to host the 7th Water and Peace Seminar in Nepal, a nation actively involved in water management and cooperation. This year's emphasis on inclusivity underscores the importance of involving diverse actors—government officials, civil society members, women, youth, and indigenous communities—in decision-making processes. Such collaboration can inspire innovative solutions.”

Water diplomacy is particularly crucial for Nepal, facilitating constructive dialogues to ensure equitable access to resources, mitigate tensions, and promote sustainable development across borders. Establishing inclusive and cooperative frameworks is essential for protecting Nepal’s water future and fostering regional harmony.

Pramod Jaiswal, Research Director at the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), stated, “This seminar is the first of its kind in Nepal, bringing together participants from across the world. It serves as a vital platform for generating ideas to promote safe and sustainable cooperation over water resources. Discussions address key topics, such as climate change, transboundary water challenges, the role of civil society in water diplomacy, UN Global Water Conventions, and Water Law.”

Dr Jaiswal also highlighted the importance of water diplomacy for Nepal in tackling challenges such as climate-induced glacier melt, transboundary water management, and hydropower potential. He noted that Nepal’s involvement in the UN’s 2025 glacier initiative presents an opportunity to advocate for climate resilience, strengthen regional cooperation, and secure international support for sustainable resource management and disaster mitigation.

Jointly organised by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands, the SAU in New Delhi, and NIICE in Kathmandu, the week-long programme has attracted 70 participants from 30 countries, with over 100 joining online.