Kuakata, Patuakhali; 25 January 2025: “To preserve the international rivers flowing through Bangladesh and to ensure their natural flow, it is crucial to move beyond 'land-centric diplomacy' and emphasise equitable water-sharing policies. Bangladesh’s approach and perspective must also align with international contexts to fully utilise the opportunities available. To achieve this, the country must adopt innovative thinking, bolster its policies, research, and implementation strategies, and enhance its capacity,” stated experts at the inaugural ceremony of the 10th International Water Conference held in Kuakata, Patuakhali, on Sunday (26 January).
This international conference has been organised by the ActionAid Bangladesh with the theme "Water Geopolitics and the Future of Oceans." The two-day conference focuses on the ongoing geopolitics surrounding transboundary rivers, the challenges and prospects of oceans, and the future of water management. In addition to Bangladesh, experts from Nepal, Australia, Singapore, China, and India are participating in the conference.
The conference commenced with an opening remark by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, who welcomed the attendees and outlined the key discussion points. She stated, “Rivers are living entities, and they are currently in a critical state. Without coordinated efforts, the adverse effects of mismanagement will intensify. Rivers do not belong to any one individual or entity. To ensure the rights of rivers and water resources, transboundary nations must collaborate, with a strong focus on fairness in water-sharing. Only then can we save our rivers and establish equity in livelihoods.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives and an expert in international relations, highlighted the importance of adopting a global perspective. He stated, “Despite the transformative impacts of globalisation, our way of thinking remains unchanged. It is crucial to reimagine our approach within the broader global context. In today’s multifaceted world, there is no room for reverting to colonial mentalities. We must embrace innovative approaches and think beyond conventional paradigms.”
Addressing Bangladesh’s water-sharing relations with India, Myanmar, and China, Dr. Ahmed pointed out, “There are new opportunities and hopes to overcome these challenges. Negotiations over water-sharing with India should expand beyond bilateral talks to include China and other stakeholders. For instance, when we sought India’s cooperation over the Teesta River, they were unresponsive. Now, with China constructing dams, they are inviting us to the discussion table.”
Dr. John Dore, Lead Specialist for Water, Energy, and Climate from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, emphasised the importance of equity. Referring to the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers, he suggested, “The recommendations from the Mekong River Commission can be considered to ensure the shared water flow of these rivers. Collaborative research and communication should be enhanced in this regard.”
On the first day of the conference, sessions were held on topics including “The Future of Teesta and Border Rivers,” “Climate Change and Local Innovations,” and “Climate Futures, Water Financing, and the Role of Hydro-Diplomacy.”
On the second day, the conference will focus on “Ensuring Women’s Empowerment through Equitable Water Sharing,” “Mainstreaming Water Education,” and “The Geopolitics of Cooperation and Protecting Ocean and Water Resources.”
The recommendations and proposals generated from this conference will be presented to national and international policy forums for implementation.
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.
For more information: Md. Shabbir Rahman, Communications Manager, ActionAid Bangladesh
Mobile: +8801681-523496 | Email: shabbir.rahman@actionaid.org