1-2.March.2018
In March 2018, Mr. Abdulaziz Ramadan, Founder & CEO of DOZ International, took part in the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD 2018). During the event, Mr. Ramadan held a constructive meeting with Ms. Olga Algayerova, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). In this meeting, he presented a detailed report on the escalating water crisis and governance challenges in the Middle East.
The Civil Society Regional Engagement Mechanism (CSO RCEM) expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Swiss Ambassador and UNECE in ensuring that the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains inclusive and accessible to civil society actors across the region.
Presentation on Water Governance in Mesopotamia
During the forum, Mr. Ramadan delivered a presentation on regional water management challenges in the Mesopotamia basin, addressing representatives of UN Member States—including Turkey, Austria, Finland, Hungary, Romania, the Netherlands, Germany, Cyprus, and others—as well as officials from various UN agencies.
His presentation highlighted documented examples of environmental violations and their impacts on local communities, including:
- The situation of towns located along both banks of the Tigris River in Iraq.
- The cultural and environmental destruction threatening the historic town of Hasankeyf in Turkey.
- The damage inflicted on the Afrin Dam in northern Syria as a result of military operations.
These issues were presented within the framework of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, emphasizing the urgent need for responsible, cross-border water governance and the protection of vulnerable communities.
The report also included comparative examples from the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe, illustrating shared challenges in transboundary water management and lessons that could be adapted for the Middle East.
Upcoming Detailed Report from DOZ International
DOZ International will publish a comprehensive summary report on the key discussions and outcomes of Day 1 of the UNECE Regional Forum 2018. The forthcoming report will focus on:
- Water governance and environmental justice
- Protection of community rights in conflict-affected areas
- Regional examples of successful water management policies
- Recommendations for SDG 6 implementation in the Middle East
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