2023 UN Water Conference – EU launches Team Europe Initiative on Transboundary Water Management in Africa

New York, 23 March 2023.- The European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and eight European Member States, announced the launch of the Team Europe Initiative on Transboundary Water Management in Africa at the 2023 UN Water Conference in New York.

The TEI on Transboundary Water Management in Africa falls within the scope of the Global Gateway and African Union – European Union Investment Package. By actively addressing the global objectives of the European Green Deal climate and green transition, TEI members are supporting transboundary water actions to deliver tangible benefits ranging from continental, regional, basin and national levels.

‘Our joint vision is one of solidarity, peace, prosperity and sustainable development. Water plays a central role in this vision and in the Global Gateway Africa – Europe Investment Package. Therefore, I am delighted to be launching with you this Team Europe today and I want to thank all partners for their great collaboration in its preparation’, said Commissioner Urpilainen.

The European Union and its Member States, together with the European Investment Bank, are working on this new flagship initiative to enhance cooperation on water-related issues and harness the potential of water for domestic consumption, agriculture, fishing, energy, goods transportation, biodiversity and the environment.

Through cooperation and peer learning, European and African partners and countries will develop strategic policies and knowledge to better manage water resources against pressing global changes, such as climate change and population growth.

Cross-border investments in water stimulated by this initiative will benefit more than one million people, through access to safe drinking water, public health and resilience to climate change.

Investing in water is crucial for Africa's social and economic development, as well as for generating benefits for biodiversity, the environment, peace and stability on the continent. The Initiative will focus on a range of key areas, including transboundary water management, water security, water-related ecosystems, and the development of water-based economies. The Initiative will also support the development of innovative and sustainable water management solutions and promote the integration of water considerations into national development policies.

Water security is a priority in the «African Union’s 2063 Agenda: The Africa We Want ». The European Team Initiative will make water the vehicle for peace and prosperity. ‘It is one of our flagship commitments under the Water Action Agenda. As we close this day of discussion on Water cooperation, we do hope that this commitment will inspire other regions to take example on Africa’s unique achievements in terms of water cooperation’, concluded Commissioner Urpilainen.  

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For more information about the Team Europe Initiative on Transboundary Water Management in Africa, please contact INTPA-F2-WATER-SECTOR@ec.europa.eu