The UN Watercourses Convention: Role and Relevance for Africa in a Changing Climate

In 1997, more than 100 nations joined up in adopting the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses as the only global treaty laying out the rules and principles that govern the use, management and protection of international watercourses.

The convention counts 20 contracting states – 15 short of the required for entry into force.

The side event will promote discussions on the role and relevance of the convention for Africa, bringing together expert organizations, regional bodies and government officials.
The event will also track and celebrate progress in ratifications around the world and catalyze action among key governments, organizations and experts to support the convention’s entry into force and future implementation.

AGENDA

17:30 Welcome and introductions – Mr. Simon Thuo, GWP Eastern Africa

17:35 The experience of the ratification process in West Africa
Ms. Éléonore Bélemlilga, Legal Advisor, General Direction of Water Resources, Burkina Faso
Ms. Madeleine Ciss, Organisation pour la Mise en Valeur du Fleuve Sénégal (OMVS)

17:55 Roundtable: The UN Watercourses Convention – Role and Relevance for Africa, moderated by Ms. Lesha Witmer:
Ms. Amaka Okechukwu, Legal Adviser, Hydrological Services Agency, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Nigeria
Mr. Habib Chaieb, Director, Water Resources Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Tunisia
Ms. Véronique Verdeil, Water and Sanitation Advisor, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, France
Ms. Uschi Eid, Vice-Chair, UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB)
Mr. Phera Ramoeli, Head of Water Division, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)
Mr. Mahamane D. Toure, Water Resources Coordination Unit, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

18:35 Award Ceremony: Ms. Flavia Loures, Senior Program Officer, Freshwater, WWF

18:55 Closing