14th Meeting of the Group of Friends on Water and Peace

The event began with welcoming remarks from the Slovenian Chairmanship and the Geneva Water Hub, followed by a briefing on the outcomes of the High-Level Meeting held in New York on 18 March 2021. The central theme, "Water Dialogue: Advancement of Water Data for Peace and Cooperation", explored how reliable data can serve as a foundation for reducing tensions and strengthening transboundary water cooperation.

Key speakers included:

• Dr. Johannes Cullmann, Director of Water, Snow, and Ice at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), who presented the Global Hydrometry Support Facility (WMO HydroHub).
• Mr. Lamine Konate, from the Gambia River Basin Development Organization (OMVG), who shared insights on a digital platform for integrated water data management.
• Mr. Andrej Golob, Slovenian Environmental Agency, who presented best practices in water data collection and sharing.
• Dr. Frederick Lorenz, University of Washington, who highlighted the role of water science and remote sensing in ensuring transparent data dissemination through U.S.-based platforms.

The discussion addressed critical questions, such as how water data can support political decision-making, facilitate regional integration, and strengthen cooperation in preparation for the 2023 UN mid-term review of the Water Action Decade. Participants underscored the importance of technological innovations, such as remote sensing and satellite imagery, in providing neutral and reliable data access.

The meeting concluded with a call to enhance existing initiatives and foster new partnerships for improved water governance and conflict prevention through data-driven approaches.