Adaptation in water resources as a pathway to sustainable development: How NDCs and NAPs have accelerated action
UNDP
World Green Economy Pavilion | COP28 Dubai
Friday, 8 December 2023
9:00 – 10:00am GST
Background
Water plays a critical role in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in Africa and MENA region by serving as a fundamental element for climate resilience, adaptation and sustainable development. This event will provide a platform for lessons learned and opportunities for an interactive panel discussion between decision makers on issues relating to identifying, prioritizing and implementing the NAPs and NDCs in the Africa and MENA region, with a particular focus on water resources.
This is especially important considering that both the Africa and MENA region host some of the most water stressed countries in the world. The side event will take the form of an interactive panel discussion on issues relating to identifying, prioritizing and implementing NAPs and NDC actions relating to water in African and MENA countries.
Objectives
The main objective of the session is to provide a platform between MENA and African countries to exchange knowledge, lessons learned and best practices around water in the NAPs and NDCs, especially with the upcoming revisions of the NDCs.
- Promote awareness and advocacy by showcasing the importance of water security in the NAPs and NDCs, as well as innovative indicators and insights.
- Highlight urgency of water as a necessary approach to tackle multiple challenges for integrated climate action.
- Foster cross-regional cooperation that aims to inspire, unlock synergies and enhance collection of best practices and lessons learned to close the knowledge gap, particularly in water stressed countries and those experiencing climate-induced disasters such as more frequent and intense floods and droughts.
Agenda
Moderator: Benjamin Basmaci, Regional Climate Specialist, UNDP Regional Hub for Arab States
Opening remarks [5 min] - Dr. Abdallah al Dardari, Assistant Secretary General and Regional Director for Arab States
Keynote speaker [5 min] - Ms. Rohini Kohli, Senior Technical Advisor, Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Planning
Panel Discussion [35 min]
- Kenya
- Iraq
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
Q&A [10 min]
Summary & closing remarks [5 min]