KATHMANDU – The 7th Water and Peace Seminar 2025 successfully concluded on March 26-27 in Kathmandu, bringing together experts, policymakers, and youth leaders to discuss the theme “Exploring Potentials and Challenges for Inclusive Water Cooperation.”
The seminar was organized in collaboration with IHE-Delft, Netherlands, and financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The program was attended by experts from eminent organizations in Nepal, such as ICIMOD, IUCN, and IWMI. The event also witnessed participation from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.
The seminar brought together young participants and experts from more than 30 countries. It featured seven thematic sessions, including two youth-led discussions that amplified young voices in water governance, and two panel debates addressing key regional challenges and opportunities.
Discussions focused on how inclusivity and participation in water cooperation can extend beyond diverse stakeholders to include non-human elements, affective practices, and different geographical contexts. Special emphasis was placed on the role of youth in sustainable futures, recognizing their ability to serve as intergenerational bridges—drawing wisdom from the past while shaping the future.
Dipak Gyawali, former water minister and academic researcher at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), stated, “It was a really nice meeting because a lot of the marginal voices were heard, and a lot of problems related to water were aired.”
Dr. Medha Bisht, co-convenor of the program, expressed her sincere gratitude to NIICE, IHE Delft, and South Asian University, especially its President, Professor K. K. Aggarwal, for facilitating the event in every possible way.
Joel Blah Kyndiah and Brinda Kashyap from the Water Law and Governance Task Group, Youth for Meghna (Y4M), IUCN, remarked, “Over the past two days, this seminar has highlighted the crucial role of various stakeholders in transboundary water governance. One key takeaway is the undeniable importance of youth, whose involvement is vital for long-term sustainability.
While we may have speculated about their role, it is clear that empowering youth through access to these spaces and capacity building is essential. This was also emphasized during our youth-led panel yesterday, supported by IUCN and UNECE on South Asia and Water Law Conventions.”
