Positive Peacebuilding

Building Peace Water for Peace Diplomacy in Western Asia and North Africa (WANA)

Going beyond negative peace and its focus on the cessation of violence, we emphasize positive peace, rooted in institutions, attitudes, narratives, and structures, as is essential for sustaining peaceful societies. To realize positive peace, we must address fragility, enhance governance effectiveness, foster social cohesion, bolster trust in government, and promote favourable public perceptions. We advocate for citizen diplomacy, echoing a key recommendation of the "A Matter of Survival" report—a blueprint guiding the work of the Geneva Water Hub and the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace.

In collaboration with our partners in Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan, we facilitate dialogues between civil society members and decision-makers on intranational water conflicts. Together, we explore how inclusive water governance approaches can yield benefits for all stakeholders.

Promoting positive peacebuilding involves a critical focus on the politics of water diplomacy. Water's role extends beyond being a natural resource; it holds a geo-strategic dimension that shapes state policies and security considerations, particularly in transboundary contexts. Inequities in water access contribute to tensions and violence at sub-national levels, emphasizing the intricate connection between water and political landscapes.

Recognizing water as more than an environmental concern, we assert that it plays a pivotal role in achieving positive peace. As a fundamental human right, water is essential for all life forms, yet its political nature requires engagement in political processes to address water-related issues and work towards peaceful communities. Our project confronts this reality, aiming to generate discussions on the politics of water.

Acknowledging that water is inherently political, we advocate for political processes that lead to peace. By delving into the politics of water, the Geneva Water Hub and its partners seek to catalyze conversations in both regional and global water and peace forums. Our mission is to highlight the complex interplay between water, politics, and peace, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for positive change.