Course Overview

The Water Cooperation and Diplomacy programme provides participants with practical knowledge and skills for managing transboundary water issues, promoting cooperation, and addressing water-related conflicts.

The course explores the causes of water disputes, international legal and institutional frameworks, negotiation strategies, and approaches for sustainable water governance. Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will learn how to support cooperation, negotiate agreements, and use data and diplomacy tools to manage shared water resources effectively.

Agenda

Day — 1 Introduction to Water Diplomacy

• Understanding the definition and core features of water diplomacy
• Exploring global water resources and major transboundary water challenges
• Examining the historical evolution and development of water diplomacy
• Identifying the different scales and key actors involved in water diplomacy
• Understanding the principles of equitable and sustainable water-sharing and cooperation

Day — 2 Water Conflicts and Cooperation

• Exploring common challenges affecting cooperation over transboundary water resources
• Identifying the root causes of transboundary water conflicts, including geopolitical tensions, water scarcity, and resource competition
• Understanding the coexistence of conflict and cooperation in shared water governance
• Analysing the impact of power dynamics on water conflicts, negotiations, and cooperation processes
• Reviewing case studies related to international water disputes, cooperation mechanisms, and conflict resolution approaches

Day — 3 Water Diplomacy Tools and Processes

• Understanding the three tracks of water diplomacy and their applications in international cooperation
• Exploring real-world examples of water diplomacy approaches and negotiation tracks
• Understanding the structure and stages of diplomatic processes in water governance
• Learning steps and techniques for negotiating transboundary water agreements

Conflict Management Strategies in Water Diplomacy

• Exploring conflict management and cooperation-building strategies, including:
  • Transformation of Water Conflicts
  • Reframing Approaches
  • Identification of Shared Values

Day — 4 Frameworks for Water Cooperation and Diplomacy

• Understanding the foundations and principles of International Water Law (IWL)
• Exploring challenges in implementing International Water Law within transboundary water cooperation contexts
• Reviewing major international legal frameworks related to water governance, including:
  • United Nations Watercourses Convention
  • Helsinki Rules
  • Other International Water Agreements and Frameworks
• Understanding the institutional structures and governance regimes supporting transboundary water cooperation
• Analysing regional frameworks and models for transboundary water cooperation and diplomacy

Day — 5 Data Role in Water Cooperation and Diplomacy

• Understanding the importance of data sharing, transparency, and information exchange in water management and cooperation
• Exploring factors that prevent or limit effective data exchange between stakeholders and states
• Identifying the types of data and information required for informed water-related decision-making
• Learning best practices for producing, managing, and using water-related data, information, and knowledge
• Understanding how different actors use data and information to influence water cooperation and negotiation processes
• Discussing emerging trends and future developments in water cooperation and water diplomacy

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this Water Cooperation and Diplomacy course, participants will be able to:

• Understand different definitions of water diplomacy and identify their core principles and features
• Explore the key elements involved in implementing water diplomacy, including major actors and governance scales
• Identify the root causes of transboundary water conflicts and analyse the influence of actors and power dynamics on cooperation and disputes
• Apply water diplomacy tools and approaches, including the three tracks of water diplomacy
• Develop skills to address complex water-related challenges, manage conflicts, and negotiate effective water agreements
• Understand the legal and institutional frameworks governing water cooperation and diplomacy
• Recognise the importance of data exchange, transparency, and information-sharing in strengthening international water cooperation
• Develop the ability to produce, analyse, and use data and knowledge to support informed water management and policy decisions

Who Should Attend

The Water Cooperation and Diplomacy course is designed for professionals involved in water governance, international cooperation, environmental management, and transboundary resource negotiations, including:

• Policy Makers and Diplomats
• Government Officials
• Professionals working in International Organisations
• Environmental Scientists
• Legal Advisors
• NGO Representatives
• Business Leaders