The Mediterranean Water Institute (IME), in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean, discussed pressing water challenges in the region at the 5th edition of the Mediterranean Water Forum’s kick-off meeting on October 18 in Valencia. This took place with aim of creating a robust platform for stakeholders to converge and strategize around complex water issues ahead of the full event in Tunis next February leading up to the 10th World Water Forum in Bali.

During the kick-off meeting, participants from diverse backgrounds, including water experts, policymakers, industry leaders, civil society groups, institutions, and other organisations discussed  priority issues closely aligned with the 10th World Water Forum, emphasising themes such as the Water-Energy-Food-Environment (WEFE) nexus, new visions for water supply and demand by 2050, drought and flood prevention, water law and conflict resolution, sustainable water finance, and innovations in water use.

Working groups organised around these themes held in-depth discussions allowing participants to share diverse perspectives and insights as well as to underscore the acute need for effective responses to ensure water security, especially in a region where demographic trends, socio-economic challenges, and the effects of climate change have a profound impact on water management.

Experts, stakeholders, and policymakers united with a shared commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the Mediterranean’s water challenges and to further develop concept notes on the upcoming Mediterranean Water Forum’s different themes.