Water connects economic, social and environmental sectors throughout OSCE area; its management in Mediterranean region discussed today in Vienna

VIENNA, 7 May 2018 – Perspectives on water management from both sides of the Mediterranean region with a focus on the interconnectivity of its economic, social and environmental challenges, were the focus of today’s OSCE Mediterranean Contact Group discussion held in Vienna.

“Water is an indispensable element fuelling every aspect of our lives. It is both a common good and a strategic resource that we must use sustainably and efficiently – in an economically sound way,” said the Chairperson of the OSCE Mediterranean Contact Group and Head of the Permanent Mission of Slovakia to the OSCE, Radomir Boháč. “The level of co-operation is dependent on political engagement. Co-operative approaches in water management are a must for peace, stability and security in the region.”  

The OSCE has been engaged in facilitating a dialogue on environment and security in the Mediterranean region since 2007 and water management has always been an important element of this discussion.

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said the growth of the OSCE’s Mediterranean partnerships can be explained by the deeper and sharper realization that not only our geographies but also our societies are increasingly interconnected, that we have a common future we need to shape together. “The OSCE faces both an opportunity and a test: how to capitalize on our recent achievements to make the OSCE Mediterranean partnership even more strategic. I am committed to investing time and energy into making sure that the partnership lives up to its potential,” said Greminger.  

Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Vuk Žugić said that it is no coincidence that water is at the centre of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, given its implications for all five pillars of the Agenda, namely peace, prosperity, people, planet and partnerships. “Jointly managing water can lead to improved relations among countries and communities, and enhance security, prosperity and the protection of the environment. There are a number of good practices of water co-operation among the OSCE participating States and the experiences shared today can help further enhancing co-operation with the Mediterranean Partners in this field and lead to concrete initiatives.”

The discussion today brought together a number of experts to share perspectives on water management: Orli Gil, Special Envoy and Co-ordinator for Water of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Israel; Almotaz Abadi, Managing Director of the Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat; Mohamed Hamdy Al Mulla, representative of the Foreign Ministry of Egypt; Abdelaziz Ameziane, general engineer of the Water Department of Morocco; Adel Yahya Alobeiaat from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan; Ivan Závadský, representative of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River; and Michal Prosňský, expert on water purification from Slovakia.