Call for collective climate action

Experts deliberate on challenges in water resource management

ISLAMABAD:

Experts at the inaugural session of a two-day international workshop called for collective action among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states to tackle the adverse effects of climate change.

The workshop titled "Climate Change and Sustainable Water Resources Management in OIC Member Countries" started on Tuesday at the COMSTECH Secretariat which is being organised by COMSTECH in collaboration with the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The event has drawn experts, policymakers, and representatives from OIC member states to deliberate on shared challenges in water resource management amid global climate change.

During the inaugural session, Regional Expert, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia Tajikistan, Dr Daler Domullodzhanov emphasized the critical risks posed to water resources by climate change.

He urged the need for collaborative strategies, leveraging the OIC platform to strong unified efforts against these challenges. Director of Water, Food, and Ecosystems, IWMI, Dr Mohsin Hafeez provided an overview of the conference's goals, underscoring the urgency to address threats to water systems through knowledge exchange and innovative solutions.

UNESCO Chair on Aflaj Studies, Oman, Dr Majid Labbaf Khaneiki highlighted that water management is not just a hydrological concern but also a socio-political challenge, necessitating multidimensional approaches.

Advisor COMSTECH and Focal Person of the workshop, Dr Khursheed Hasnain thanked the speakers, resource persons and participants for their participation in the workshop. The conference has brought together experts from OIC member countries, including Pakistan, Oman, Tajikistan and others.

The workshop aims to develop actionable recommendations for sustainable water management policies across the OIC member states.