Agenda Outline

• 

  Registration

• 

  Opening and Welcome Speech

• 

  Presented the WEFE Nexus Hub concept

• 

  Navigated the WEFE Hub platform and channels of the Hub

• 

  Q&A Session

Background

The WEFE Nexus Hub for the MENA Region is an INWRDAM-led project designed under funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). The project addresses the interconnected challenges of water, energy, food security, and ecosystems in a region facing resource scarcity and population growth. The project aims to institutionalize the WEFE Nexus approach, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through the Hub, stakeholders can share best practices, success stories, policies, and research to scale up solutions across the MENA and SEMED regions. The Hub’s launch event marks a key milestone, bringing together experts, officials, and decision-makers to advance sustainable socio-economic development.

Description

The soft launch event aimed to bring together our main partners, stakeholders, experts and officials from ministries and sectors concerned with the nexus of water, energy, food, and ecosystems to achieve the following objectives: • Announcing and presenting the hub through providing a comprehensive presentation of the Hub, highlighting its strategic importance and how it is structured to meet the region's needs. • Announcing the channels for user participation through highlighting the different participation methods offered by the Hub and how users can benefit from its resources. • Enhancing collaboration and partnership opportunities through the hub and creating opportunities for cooperation between various sectors and ministries to promote integrated and sustainable resource management practices.

Impact

1. The Hub now serves as a dedicated space for stakeholders across the MENA region to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and drive policy and research on integrated water, energy, food, and ecosystem management. 2. The event brought together key ministries, international organizations, and private sector representatives, fostering stronger cooperation and alignment in addressing resource challenges. It also reinforced the role of Jordan as a leader in implementing the WEFE Nexus approach. 3. Scholarships and training opportunities announced during the event highlight a long-term commitment to developing expertise in the WEFE Nexus approach, ensuring the next generation of professionals is equipped to tackle regional challenges.

Key Learnings

1. The success of the Hub depends on integrating it within existing government frameworks, such as Jordan’s WEFE framework managed by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. Aligning the Hub with national policies ensures sustainability and broader adoption. 2. The lack of awareness and expertise in applying the WEFE Nexus approach remains a challenge. Investing in training programs, academic integration, and research support—such as the scholarships offered—helps bridge the knowledge gap and prepares future leaders in the field. 3. The event reinforced that water, energy, food, and ecosystems cannot be managed in isolation. Multi-sector partnerships, knowledge exchange, and showcasing successful projects (like As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant) are crucial for effective resource management across the MENA region.