Water Diplomacy and Blue Peace

From tension to cooperation

Rivers, lakes and aquifers rarely stop at a border. Water diplomacy, also called hydro-diplomacy, uses dialogue, law and joint institutions to turn shared waters from a source of tension into a basis for cooperation between states and communities.

The Blue Peace approach

Blue Peace reframes water as a reason for countries to work together rather than compete. Developed through a Swiss-led international initiative, it links water cooperation to regional stability and long-term development, and has shaped transboundary dialogue across the Middle East and Africa.

GIWEH's role

GIWEH works on transboundary water as a convener and knowledge partner: bringing parties together, developing concept notes and briefs, and building the capacity of young professionals to manage shared water peacefully. It is a core theme in the institute's work across the MENA region.