Arab-Israeli Solutions to Water Scarcity and Climate Change

In an unprecedented symposium organized by the Center for Peace Communications, a former senior Iraqi official met with Tomer Swisa, Director of International Relations at the Kinneret Innovation Center in Israel; and Arab Council Executive Committee member Ahed Al Hendi, to discuss the water scarcity crisis in the Fertile Crescent. Moderated by Samuel Tadros, the virtual session covered the severity of the crisis as well as Israel’s success in managing its own water scarcity problem and emergence as one of the world’s leaders in water technology. Participants, each of whom brought their own research to the table, engaged one another and urged cooperation.

Amid heightened Arab-Israeli partnership in a range of sectors, several countries in the region — notably Jordan, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates — have already forged bilateral agreements with Israel on water-related issues. These countries provide a natural context for experts across the region to convene and conceptualize multilateral projects to address water scarcity. Should the United States choose to support the envisioned cooperation, it could further advance the global struggle against climate change, deliver valuable assistance to countries in need, and make a new contribution to advancing peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

Following the symposium, participants worked together to develop a research paper laying out the case for cooperation and the beginnings of a plan for action. To read it, click here.