Finnish Water Way for Peace – Water Diplomacy Platform

To prevent and solve international water conflicts, Finnish Water Way for Peace – Water Diplomacy Platform supports Finland to the further strengthen its ability to combine peace mediation, diplomacy and transboundary water cooperation. Through this, the platform contributes to Finland’s reputation as a trusted and desired water diplomacy partner.

The platform seeks to

• broaden the scientific knowledge base of Finland’s water diplomacy processes through provision of data, analysis and situational awareness
• mobilise water diplomacy related expertise effectively
• further establish Finland as one of the leading water diplomacy countries and as a desired partner for collaboration in international fora
• increase the water diplomacy capacity and expertise in Finland and abroad, foster existing and new partnerships, mutual learning and the inclusion of new actors.
   

As climate change, geopolitical tensions, economic crises and other developments increase vulnerability around the world, water diplomacy can offer new cross-sectoral solutions and perspectives. However, as an inherently political endeavour, water diplomacy needs to be based on a thorough analysis of the relevant political, environmental, social, and economic dynamics and a robust scientific knowledge base. 

To broaden the scientific knowledge base of Finland’s peace mediation and water diplomacy processes we provide data, analysis and situational awareness as well as effectively mobilise expertise related to water diplomacy. This includes, inter alia, the utilisation of the Conflict Analysis Tool for Water Diplomacy developed by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs in the Water Cooperation and Peace project as well as possible development of new tools for providing and maintaining situational awareness on water-related risks and to support water diplomatic activities. On a need basis, we mobilise key experts to contribute to water diplomacy related cases. 

Conflict analysis tool for water diplomacy – Why, what, how? (helda.helsinki.fi)

To support the enhancing of international partnerships and increasing international visibility of water diplomacy, we participate in and organise international events/meetings and facilitate cooperation with key partners. We also support the work related to the Water Convention, including raising awareness of the importance of transboundary water cooperation.

To increase the capacity and expertise in water diplomacy and transboundary water cooperation both in Finland and internationally, we will support in organising trainings and events that promote experience sharing and mutual learning. The capacity building activities will be planned and organised in close cooperation with international partners. In Finland, the key beneficiaries for capacity building are the members of the Finnish Water Diplomacy Network, whereas internationally, we will work in close cooperation with international partners, including for instance new countries interested in joining the Water Convention.

The Finnish Water Diplomacy Network, established in spring 2019 as a collaborative initiative of Finnish actors, aims to bring together Finnish expertise relevant for water diplomacy and transboundary water cooperation. The network is hosted by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs' Centre for Peace Mediation and coordinated by the Finnish Water Way for Peace – Water Diplomacy Platform. The network already includes more than 130 experts from ministries, academia and research institutes, CSOs/NGOs and the private sector. The network is informal, based on the interest and activity of its members, and is entirely voluntary. The network meets every few months and the members are notified of network meetings and of opportunities to participate in water diplomacy related occasions (events, conferences, trainings, etc.) via newsletter (in Finnish). The network is also the tool to identify and mobilise expertise for Finland’s water diplomacy endeavours. You can join the network by contacting the coordinator, and you can order the newsletter and see previous ones through the Finnish version of this site.