 new international decade for action on “Water for Sustainable Development.”
We have an unmatched, century-long history of peacefully managing shared water resources with the United States. In recent years, we have developed landmark water-sharing agreements, engaging Indigenous communities as important stakeholders. Canadian companies have developed advanced technologies for water treatment and monitoring.
Canadian research leadership in management of Arctic resources, aquatic ecosystems, and climate change adaptation is well established.
A new coalition of 20 Canadian organizations, called the International Water Decade Alliance, aims to engage Canada in the new water decade. This alliance is Canada’s brain trust on water security issues, and represents research centres, universities, civil society organizations, private sector leaders and environmental groups.
A successful water decade, that helps countries achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, including provision of safe, clean water to everyone, will be a success for Canada.
An emphasis on enabling women and girls as powerful agents of change will help transform their households and societies. This approach is consistent with Canada’s new feminist international assistance policy.
A recent gathering of water experts in Ottawa, chaired by former prime minister Jean Chrétien, identified the strong correlation between water security and peace. These experts also agreed that Canada carries sufficient intellectual leadership, technological capacity and international credibility to play the role of water-based peacekeeper.
The new water decade offers Canada a unique opportunity to regain its mantle as a peacekeeper in line with the 21st-century’s challenges.
As Canada vies for a seat at the UN Security Council, we must step forward to embrace this leadership role, while also addressing water challenges at home.
Zafar Adeel is the executive director of the Pacific Water Research Centre at the Simon Fraser University. He is the convener of the International Water Decade Alliance, which includes 22 organizations, including 10 universities, across Canada.