The 2nd IGAD Water Forum focuses on groundwater resources in the Horn of Africa region

The 2^nd IGAD Water Forum will be held in a hybrid mode on November 5–7, 2021. The forum is organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Secretariat and supported by several partners of the Groundwater Solutions Initiative for Policy and Practice (GRIPP) and several United Nations and international nongovernmental organizations. Part of the conference will be held face to face in Entebbe, Uganda, hosted by the Ministry of Water and Environment.

The theme of this year’s forum is ‘Groundwater for Resilience’. The forum will provide an opportunity for IGAD Member States (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda), stakeholders, the private sector and development partners to discuss groundwater and its role in the sustainable development of the region. It will also provide an opportunity to create synergies among ongoing and planned water-related projects and programs. The forum will further provide an avenue for policy makers, technical experts, private sector actors, civil society organizations, etc., to contribute to the development of an IGAD Groundwater Program that is aligned to the overall mandate and strategy of IGAD. Finally, the forum will showcase investment opportunities and new and emerging innovations in groundwater development and management.

The forum will be organized under the following five sub-themes:

Sub-theme 1: Groundwater for peace and stability

Sub-theme 2: Groundwater for climate change and drought resilience

Sub-theme 3: Groundwater for socioeconomic development

Sub-theme 4: Innovation in groundwater financing and technological development

Sub-theme 5: Capacity building in groundwater

The forum will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, paper presentations, exhibitions and side events. Two training sessions will also be held for young professionals.

Important dates: