Addis Ababa: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is set to convene the 3rd IGAD Water Forum from May 19 to 21, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This premier regional event will bring together policymakers, researchers, water sector professionals, development partners, and international stakeholders to strengthen regional groundwater cooperation under the theme: ‘Building a Platform for Sustainable Regional Groundwater Cooperation.’
According to Ethiopian News Agency, groundwater is a critical resource for water security, economic development, and environmental stability in the IGAD region. With rising population growth, urbanization, and climate variability, demand for water is increasing, making sustainable groundwater management essential.
The IGAD region hosts several transboundary aquifers, including the Dawa, Northern Basement, and Shabelle aquifers, which require coordinated management and policy development to address shared challenges. The 3rd IGAD Water Forum builds on the progress of previous fora, providing a collaborative platform to develop governance frameworks for transboundary groundwater management.
The forum is vital for sharing knowledge from key research initiatives such as the Joint Regional Study (JRS) and the Dawa Feasibility Study. It aims to strengthen partnerships among IGAD Member States, development partners, and international organizations. Additionally, the forum is anticipated to enhance regional collaboration between IGAD member states and serve as a platform for disseminating key research findings to support evidence-based groundwater management decisions.