Water research strength recognized as 91亚色 hosts timely UN panel
Extreme weather events linked to climate change negatively impact water quality, quantity and sustainability for some of the world鈥檚 most vulnerable, but the United Nations (UN) and 91亚色 along with public and private sector global partners are working toward solutions through the UN鈥檚 Global Water Academy (Water Academy).
As academic lead for the Water Academy, 91亚色 hosted a virtual panel discussion on July 14, 2023, titled, 鈥淗umanitarian responses to emerging water crises as a result of extreme climatic events.鈥 The virtual panel discussion was organized as part of the UN鈥檚 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, taking place from July 10 to 19 in New 91亚色.
Moderated by freshwater expert Sapna Sharma, 91亚色 Research Chair in Global Change Biology in 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Science, the 90-minute panel began with welcoming remarks from Alex Mejia, director of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Division for People and Social Inclusion; Ambassador Luis Gallegos, chair of UNITAR's board of trustees; and, Rhonda Lenton, 91亚色鈥檚 president and vice-chancellor.
The panel featured a conversation with global experts from the academic and non-profit sectors, including Jessica Vandenberghe, assistant dean, Community and Culture in the University of Victoria鈥檚 Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science; Swani Keelson, founder of the Global Water Promise; Nicolas Jarraud, member of the Global Water Partnership secretariat; and Syed Imran Ali, a Research Fellow in Global Health and Humanitarianism from 91亚色鈥檚 Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.
Sharma welcomed the more than 150 virtual attendees and spoke about how climatic events directly impact water quantity and quality, 鈥淲ater crises and extreme climate events, including heatwaves, droughts and storms, are not only getting more frequent but also more intense, and the most vulnerable are paying the highest price,鈥 Sharma said.
To support water research as a priority and a critical part of 91亚色's work to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in 2022, the University launched One WATER, an organized research unit dedicated to finding strategic, integrated solutions to water challenges faced by communities in Canada and around the world.
鈥淓xtreme climate events and water crises are complex, global challenges that require diverse perspectives to identify sustainable solutions,鈥 said Lenton. "91亚色鈥檚 academic leadership role with the UN Water Academy and through our organized research unit One Water is driving the positive and sustainable change needed to improve water equity in Canada and around the world.鈥
91亚色 is well-positioned to play a guiding role in the multi-sector collaboration that aspires to empower community-based networks, weave traditional knowledge, and inspire innovation to ensure equitable access to water for all.
