Water, Women, and Security: Preventing Conflict in an Era of Climate Stress

Water, Women, and Security: Preventing Conflict in an Era of Climate Stress

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In the lead up to the 2026 UN Water Conference, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security in partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, GlobeCare Foundation, the Women in Water Diplomacy Network, and the African Ministers’ Council on Water, hosted a high-level virtual panel exploring the intersection of water security, climate stress, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. 

As water scarcity, climate-driven disasters, and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems increasingly affect health, livelihoods, mobility, and safety, the impacts are often felt most acutely by women and girls. At the same time, water insecurity is emerging not only as a development and human rights challenge, but also as a growing driver of instability and conflict. 

The discussion will highlighted women’s lived experiences and innovative roles in addressing water scarcity, responding to floods and droughts, and strengthening water governance at local, national, and transboundary levels. Bringing together senior policymakers, water diplomats, and women leaders from civil society,  the panel will explore how integrating WPS principles into water policy and diplomacy can advance inclusive governance, climate resilience, and conflict prevention.

The event provided participants with insights on the links between water insecurity, gender equality, and conflict risk, highlighting practical examples of women-led approaches to peacebuilding and water governance. The discussion will inform a policy note from the cohosts on key messages and recommendations with regards to women, water, peace, and security themes for the 2026 UN Water Conference, including the interactive dialogue on ‘water for cooperation.’

Featuring remarks from

Shaima Gargash
Director of Energy & Sustainability Affairs, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs; The United Arab Emirates Deputy for the UN Water Conference

Antti Rautavaara
Special Envoy for Water, Centre for Peace Mediation at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Elizabeth A. Koch
Process Support Team Lead, Women in Water Diplomacy Network

Foman Forough
Former Director General, Kabul River Basin

Nelson Gomonda
Director of Programmes, African Ministers’ Council on Water

Nompumelelo Ntshalintshali-Motsa
Founding Member & Interim Executive Director, Globe Care Foundation

Moderated by

Ambassador Melanne Verveer
Executive Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security