IDD Water Diplomacy Series Features Professor Olcay Ünver on Sustainable Water Management

In March 2024, the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD) at ADA University hosted a compelling session of its Water Diplomacy Series, featuring Professor Olcay Ünver  from Arizona State University. The event, titled “Navigating Scarcity: Integrating Water Management for Sustainable Food Security”, brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies for addressing water scarcity and ensuring food security.

Professor Ünver, a renowned expert in water resources management, serves as a Professor of Practice in the Environmental and Resource Management Program and as a Senior Global Futures Scientist with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University. His extensive experience includes leading water programs at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and serving as Vice-Chair of UN-Water. 

During his presentation, Professor Ünver emphasized the critical nexus between water management and food security, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches to sustainably manage water resources in the face of growing global challenges. He addressed the pressing issues of water scarcity and its impact on agriculture, proposing solutions that encompass technological innovation, policy reform, and community engagement.

The session attracted high-level representatives from various sectors, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Water Resources Agency, the Port of Baku, and water irrigation experts. Participants engaged in a dynamic dialogue, exploring collaborative efforts to implement sustainable water management practices in Azerbaijan and beyond.

This event underscored IDD's commitment to fostering informed discussions on critical issues such as water diplomacy and sustainable development. By bringing together thought leaders like Professor Ünver, IDD continues to contribute to the global discourse on effective water management strategies essential for achieving food security and environmental sustainability.