Kuakata, Patuakhali; 27 January 2025: The 10th International Water Conference concluded with a call to enhance awareness around water issues, integrate water and river studies into educational curricula, and work with local and global technologies to protect the country’s rivers and river-based biodiversity.
The two-day conference, organised by the international development organisation ActionAid Bangladesh in Kuakata, Patuakhali, presented these recommendations during its closing session on Monday.
Highlighting the outcomes of the conference, Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, said, "Over the past two days, we have had enriching discussions and received significant proposals on water and river conservation. We will work on these and present them at the policy-making level. This year, we emphasised ‘Hydro Diplomacy and the Future of Oceans,’ and we plan to collaborate with the Government of Bangladesh to raise these discussions in transboundary dialogues."
On the second day, the agenda included topics such as “Mainstreaming Water Education,” “Geopolitics of Cooperation,” and “Protecting Ocean Resources and the Future of Oceans,” alongside a call for ensuring equitable water distribution.
Experts from Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, Singapore, China, and India shared insights during the two-day discussions.
Dr. Syed Shahjahan Ahmed, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, stated, "The government is focusing on engaging youth in river and water conservation, emphasising education and research. Water issues, already a key focus within the United Nations’ SDGs, will be further integrated into national curricula if needed."
Discussions on water relations underscored the importance of equitable distribution between Bangladesh and India. Speaking at the closing session, Professor Joyanto Basu from the University of Calcutta, India, remarked, "There should be a policy of equitable water sharing between Bangladesh and India. Evidence-based dialogues can guide the two countries to strengthen their relationship."
Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives, stressed involving China and Nepal in discussions about international rivers. He suggested that Bangladesh should engage with neighbouring countries to address challenges related to river navigability and water flow.
Throughout the conference, participants advocated for sustainable, climate-resilient water sources and prioritising investments in underserved regions. Proposed solutions included rainwater harvesting, groundwater conservation, and investments in water purification systems. Additionally, policymakers were urged to address rising temperatures, water shortages, and the health risks posed by waterborne diseases linked to climate change.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of ensuring public health, promoting women’s participation, and increasing government subsidies in these sectors.
On the closing day, international experts visited Asia’s first Water Museum in Kalapara, Patuakhali. The museum’s popularisation and increased public engagement were emphasised as key takeaways.
Prominent participants included Dr. John Dore, Lead Specialist for Water, Energy, and Climate at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Dhanya Lingesh, Second Secretary of the Singapore High Commission in Dhaka; Dr Jos. C. Raphael, Director of the District Rainwater Harvesting Mission in India; Avash Pandey, Policy Analyst for Regional Cooperation and Collaboration in Nepal; alongside academics, researchers, members of civil society, environmental and water experts, students, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations, and media representatives.
For further information, please contact:
Shabbir Rahman, Communications Manager, ActionAid Bangladesh
Mobile: +8801681-523496 | Email: shabbir.rahman@actionaid.org