The 1st Arabophone Water Academic Summit will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from November 2-4, under the theme "Water, Culture, and Civilization in the Arabophone Space." The event is organized by the "Ambassade de l'eau" in partnership with the Mohammed VI Museum for the Civilization of Water in Morocco. This summit seeks to establish a unique platform for presenting initiatives, sharing expertise, and experiences, and promoting sustainable cooperation among young people, universities, and water management institutions.

The summit aims to create the first Arabophone academic platform dedicated to water issues, contributing to the formation of an Arabophone academic community capable of producing knowledge, developing joint projects, and strengthening the competencies of young people. It also seeks to develop a common vision to address future water challenges. The event will bring together universities, research centers, public institutions, hydraulic basin agencies, international organizations, civil society, and young researchers.

The summit's objectives include developing an integrated approach to water resource management based on science, innovation, culture, citizenship, participatory management, intercultural dialogue, and water diplomacy. The event will feature a preparatory youth summit for young water ambassadors, presenting Morocco's experience as a pioneering country in this program. The methodology of the World Union of Young Water Ambassadors and the "STRATEAU" academic program will be shared and adapted for development and adoption in participating countries.

The summit's program includes sessions for presenting initiatives, sharing experiences, and strengthening cooperation among higher education institutions, universities, public authorities, and water management actors. The creation of the Arab Water Committee and the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration are also on the agenda. This declaration will constitute a common academic and institutional contribution to major international events, including the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and the 11th World Water Forum in 2027.

The Marrakech Declaration is expected to be a significant outcome of the summit, providing a unified voice for Arabophone countries on water issues. The declaration will be presented at major international events, showcasing the collective efforts of the Arabophone academic community. The summit will also provide a platform for young researchers to engage with experts and policymakers, fostering a new generation of water leaders.

Morocco is a pioneer in the program for young water ambassadors, and its experience will be shared with participating countries. The summit will facilitate the transfer and adaptation of methodologies, enabling the development of a robust framework for addressing water challenges in the Arabophone region. The event will also highlight the importance of culture and civilization in understanding water issues and developing effective solutions.

The 1st Arabophone Water Academic Summit is a significant step towards establishing a robust platform for addressing water issues in the Arabophone region. The event will promote cooperation, knowledge sharing, and innovation, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for water management in the region. The summit's outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on the Arabophone academic community and beyond.

Key points

  • The summit aims to create the first Arabophone academic platform dedicated to water issues.
  • The event will feature a preparatory youth summit for young water ambassadors.
  • The Marrakech Declaration will be a significant outcome of the summit, providing a unified voice for Arabophone countries on water issues.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.