The HLPF side-event entitled “Deep dive: Climate Change and Water,” was convened to discuss the linkage between this critically important resource and prevailing trends of climate change. Moderated by Ms. Kali Taylor from the SDG Lab, an informative panel discussion was followed by interactive dialogue with its participants.
Outlining her organization’s brief “On Policy and Water,” Ms. Algayerova from UN Water summarized not only how climate change impacts to water resources threaten sustainable maintenance of sanitation, health, and eco-systems, but how current methods to satisfy increasing water demand can further exacerbate climate change. Ms. Ingrid Timboe, a contributor to the report, further expounded its solution recommendations, including appropriate accountability for water availability, adoption of risk-based water strategies, development of climate-resilient infrastructure, and the reduction of exposure to water-related risks. Finally, the website and database corresponding to the report was introduced.
Further insight into the topic were added by Ms. Shamila Nair-Bedoulle and Ms. Kelly Ann Naylor of UNESCO and UNICEF, respectively, as these representatives underscored the importance of climate education, drinking water accessibility, sanitation and hygiene to the security and safety of future generations. Furthermore, emotional appeals were made by Delegates from Kiribati and the Netherlands, who shared their country’s struggles engendered by climate change.
Meeting: Deep dive: Climate Change and Water, Side-event of HLPF
Date/Location: Friday, 12 July, 2019; 13:15-14:30; Conference Room 12, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY
Speakers:
Ms. Kali Taylor, Advisor, SDG Lab, Moderator;
Mr. David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa;
Ms. Olga Algayerova, Executive Secretary of UNECE and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations;
Ms. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO;
Ms. Ingrid Timboe, water and climate expert;
Ms. Kelly Ann Naylor, Associate Director, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Programme Division UNICEF;
Ms. Monika Weber-Fahr, Executive Secretary & CEO, Global Water Partnership;
Mr. Nicolas Franke, Sustainable Development Officer, UN DESA;
H.E. Mr. Teburoro Tito, Permanent Representative of Kiribati to the United Nations in New York;
Ms. Lise Gregoire-van Haaren, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations in New York
Written by: WIT Representative, Izabela Zawartka
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