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international

The choice of water could not have been more ICESCO to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris;
pertinent. About 40 per cent of the global Ambassador David Fernández Puyana is
population live in a transboundary river basin Permanent Observer of UPEACE in Geneva
and two billion people get their water from and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris;
aquifers shared by more than one country. Dr. Leon Saltiel is Director of Diplomacy and
Climate change puts a stress on existing Representative at UN Geneva and UNESCO of
water resources, exacerbating existing the World Jewish Congress.
tensions and possibilities for conflict both
at national and regional levels.

However, the good news is that over the
past two decades, academics have concluded
that there exist a historical record showing
that freshwater resources have motivated
various forms of cooperation instead of
conflicts. Water can be a medium for peace.
There are several good practices and relevant
examples on water cooperation at the regional
and global level.

In our traditions, water holds a special
significance and is a source of life and
purification. Our sacred rituals and ceremonies
often involve the use of water, symbolizing
purity and renewal. In this way, water unites
us in our collaborative efforts among different
faiths to back for sustainable policies and to
oppose climate change. Water should become
an element of dialogue and unity among
faiths and religions and such interreligious
cooperation has an important role to play to
guarantee the survival of our planet.

We pledge to continue our efforts, in an open
and inclusive way, to join our forces for a safe
and clean planet earth for all.

Ms. Somia Djacta is Permanent Observer of

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