Discussion Brief // Water connects us: Empowering youth to strengthen water cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa region
By Al-Zu’bi et al. This discussion brief examines how empowering youth can strengthen transboundary water cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa by addressing governance gaps, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive, long-term solutions to regional water scarcity.
Introduction
Water scarcity and transboundary water challenges are among the most pressing issues facing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, intensified by climate change, demographic growth, and political complexity. With more than two-thirds of the region’s freshwater originating from shared river basins, effective cooperation across borders is essential for regional stability and sustainable development. In this context, youth who constitute over 60% of the MENA population, represent an underutilized yet critical force for innovation, dialogue, and long-term water governance. This discussion brief explores how empowering youth can enhance transboundary water cooperation by fostering inclusive governance, advancing the WEFE Nexus approach, and strengthening resilience in the face of growing water insecurity.
Published
21 March 2025
By
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)