Page 24 - report_A Matter of Survival

The Drama of Water

THE PANEL RECOMMENDS

We share the widely-held understanding that water scarcity and deteriorating quality represent an ever more
pronounced conflict-risk multiplier, and that therefore the world needs a fundamental rethinking of the global
approach to water issues. The nexus between water, peace and security has to be given urgent attention and
thorough consideration in the context of this rethinking.

We welcome the existing engagement of a multitude of actors in this effort and recommend the UN to serve
as the vehicle of the much needed policy and institutional changes.

The UN General Assembly has the most important responsibilities in this context, while the UN Security
Council is expected to develop a policy framework for the protection of water resources and installations in
armed conflicts and in other situations on the Council’s agenda.

We recommend that the UN General Assembly convenes a Global Conference on International Water
Cooperation with the aim of formulating a strategic framework for global water cooperation and a program of
action defining specific priorities for the five-year period following the Global Conference.

Within its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the UN Security
Council is expected to design an effective policy framework for the protection of water resources and
installations in the situations on the Council’s agenda.

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