Kuakata, Patuakhali; 25 January 2024: The 10th International Water Conference, a two-day event organised by the international development organisation ActionAid Bangladesh, will commence this Sunday, 26 January, in Kuakata, Patuakhali. The conference will highlight the ongoing geopolitics surrounding water and rivers in Bangladesh and across transboundary regions, as well as the challenges, opportunities, and futures of oceanic resources. Renowned experts from Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, Singapore, China, and India will participate and share their insights.

This year’s theme, The Geopolitics of Water and Oceanic Futures, sets the stage for a series of dialogues that will continue until 27 January. The conference aims to bring together youth, women, academics, researchers, policymakers, NGOs, donor organisations, and practitioners to actively discuss pressing issues such as water governance, river management, and the sustainability of water and oceanic resources. It intends to foster collaborative dialogues to emphasise the importance of these topics and raise awareness among diverse stakeholders.

The conference also seeks to enhance cooperation among key players in water resource management, promoting regional stability, equitable resource distribution, and sustainable practices. It will highlight innovative local solutions and indigenous knowledge to address challenges linked to water, rivers, and climate change, paving the way for greater sustainability and resilience. Additionally, the event emphasises the need for fairness and equity in water and oceanic resource management.

Over the two days, the conference will address pivotal topics. Discussions on the first day will focus on the future of the Teesta and other transboundary rivers, the impacts of climate change, local innovations, climate futures, water financing, and the role of hydro-diplomacy. The second day will focus on feminist perspectives on climate change, the power dynamics in water management, mainstreaming water-related education, and the geopolitics of cooperation for safeguarding ocean and water resources.

For years, ActionAid Bangladesh has been working to ensure the equitable management of water resources, fair distribution of water, and the protection of river rights, in collaboration with national and international stakeholders. Since 2016, the organisation has been hosting the International Water Conference with the aim of broadening perspectives on water resource management, encouraging innovative solutions, fostering dialogues, forming coalitions, and advancing effective transboundary initiatives. This year’s event continues that legacy by focusing on the geopolitics of water and the future of oceanic resources.