Agenda Outline

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  Registration

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  Opening and Welcome Speech

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  WEFE Nexus Hub: Vision and Collaboration

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  Institutionalization of WEFE in Jordan

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  Putting the WEFE Nexus Hub into practice: Case study in Egypt

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  Regulatory Frameworks key Insights and Pathways for WEFE Nexus Integration

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  Fostering regional dialogue on institutionalization of WEFE Nexus

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  WEFE and Health (towards a WEFE-H Nexus Approach)

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  Panel Discussion and Q&A

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  Closing Remark

Background

The "WEFE Nexus Hub: A People-Centered Vision" Panel Discussion Session, held on October 9, 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton in Amman, Jordan, provided a vital forum for advancing a people-centered approach to Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus incorporating Health. This panel discussion took place alongside the 36th INWRDAM General Assembly, bringing together regional practitioners to promote the WEFE Nexus Hub as a model for sustainable and interconnected resources management. As countries across the MENA region face complex environmental challenges, the need for efficient, cross-sectoral solutions has grown increasingly urgent. The session underscored the importance of expanding the WEFE Nexus approach to consider human health, thereby introducing a comprehensive WEFE-Health Nexus Hub that acknowledges the interconnected nature of human and environmental well-being. This vision is proposed by INWRDAM and led by the its WEFE Nexus Hub, which also highlighted ongoing efforts to institutionalize the WEFE Nexus in Jordan and Egypt. Topics of discussion included the Hub's vision for collaboration, practical implementation lessons from Egypt, and insights from a baseline review of MENA that underscored the need for effective Nexus integration across sectors.

Description

This session convened top experts to discuss the WEFE Nexus Hub’s practical approach to integrating the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) model into regional policies and frameworks, with a particular emphasis on health as an essential new dimension. Moderated by Dr. Ghazi Abu Rumman, an international expert, the panel featured diverse perspectives from leaders involved in advancing the WEFE Nexus across MENA.

Impact

The session had a substantial impact by promoting cross-border collaboration and facilitating knowledge exchange among stakeholders from Jordan, Egypt, and the broader MENA region. By sharing experiences and lessons learned from ongoing WEFE projects, participants underscored the critical importance of a unified approach to resource management and the integration of health within the WEFE Nexus framework. This dialogue not only highlighted successful strategies but also identified challenges and opportunities for collective action. Furthermore, the session actively encouraged the involvement of local communities, particularly women and youth, in sustainable practices. By emphasizing their crucial roles, the event aimed to empower these groups and ensure that their voices are integrated into decision-making processes. Additionally, discussions reinforced the necessity for updated policies and curricula that support capacity building in sustainable resource management. This emphasis on education and training is essential for fostering a well-informed and skilled workforce that can effectively implement the WEFE Nexus approach across the region. Overall, the session catalyzed a commitment to collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable practices that will shape the future of resource management in MENA.

Key Learnings

Integrated Policies for Sustainable Development: It became clear that sustainable development within the WEFE Nexus necessitates the formulation of integrated policies that recognize and address the interconnectedness of water, energy, food, ecosystem and health. 1. Need for Standardization and Multilateral Agreements: The discussions highlighted that the lack of standardized procedures across countries can hinder the consistent application of policies related to the WEFE Nexus. This underscores the importance of establishing multilateral agreements to create a coherent framework for cooperation and implementation. 2. Empowerment of Youth and Women: Engaging youth and women in the WEFE framework emerged as a vital factor for driving innovation and sustainability. Their participation in local agricultural and environmental initiatives not only fosters community resilience but also ensures diverse perspectives in decision-making processes. 3. Data-Sharing Platforms: The need for developing a data-sharing platform across Arab countries was emphasized as a means to enhance decision-making capabilities. This can be addressed through promoting the WEFE Nexus Hub implemented by INWRDAM. 4. Importance of Local Adaptation: Successful initiatives, such as Egypt’s rainwater harvesting projects in Sinai, were showcased as exemplars of the importance of local adaptation. These projects illustrate how context-specific strategies can support the broader expansion of WEFE practices, serving as models for similar communities across the region. These learnings will guide future efforts in promoting the WEFE Nexus approach, ensuring that it remains responsive to the unique challenges and opportunities within the MENA region.