As an official side event of the 64th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) at the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB) in Germany, the India Water Foundation (IWF), in collaboration with CICERO (Center for International Climate Research) and the AKO Foundation, organized a High-Level Policy Dialogue titled "Cross-Sector Partnerships for Water Security in a Climate Resilient World."
Key Participants and Discussions
The dialogue brought together leading policymakers, scientists, researchers, and development practitioners to address the critical challenge of placing water at the center of climate action, sustainable development, and resilience-building. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India; Dr. Arvind Kumar, President, India Water Foundation; Dr. Satya Tripathi, Secretary General, Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet; Dr. Marianne T. Lund, Research Professor, CICERO; Dr. Bjørn Hallvard Samset, Research Professor, CICERO; Ms. Shweta Tyagi, Chief Functionary, India Water Foundation; Ms. Milloni Doshi, Manager, Global Engagement and Partnerships, Environmental Defense Fund; and Ms. Daile (Iris) Zeng, PhD Student, University of British Columbia.
Opening Remarks and the Concept of Transversality
Dr. Arvind Kumar opened the dialogue by emphasizing the urgent need to move beyond fragmented governance models and adopt integrated approaches. He introduced the concept of "transversality," stressing that decisions in every sector influence water outcomes and vice versa. He highlighted the importance of managing the entire hydrological cycle and called for stronger science-based policymaking, ecosystem restoration, innovative financing mechanisms, and inclusive governance. Notably, he stated that "Water is the operating system of climate resilience."
India's Efforts and Global Perspectives
Delivering the Chair Address, Dr. Raj Bhushan Chaudhary outlined India's growing efforts to integrate water security into climate policy through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and flagship programs such as Namami Gange. Dr. Satya Tripathi called for incentivizing grassroots climate champions and advocated for the development of water credits to reward farmers and communities for conserving water and restoring ecosystems.
Scientific Insights and Cross-Sector Partnerships
Providing a scientific perspective, Dr. Bjørn Hallvard Samset stressed the need to strengthen science-policy linkages to support effective adaptation and resilience-building. Dr. Marianne T. Lund highlighted the complex interactions between climate change, land-use change, urbanization, aerosols, and water availability. Moderating the dialogue, Ms. Shweta Tyagi emphasized the urgent need for cross-sector partnerships and integrated governance approaches to address growing water insecurity and strengthen climate resilience worldwide.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Concluding the event, participants called for stronger international cooperation, enhanced investment in water resilience, and greater integration of water security into global climate processes. They emphasized that the transition from fragmented approaches to integrated water-climate governance is essential for delivering a resilient and sustainable future for all.
