Geneva Water Hub at the Berlin Climate Security Conference - Water as a pathway to peace.
The Geneva Water Hub contributed to the 2025 Berlin Climate Security Conference, leading a breakout session on “Water, peace and conflict: Can water be an entry point for peace?”, at the invitation of adelphi, a sign of growing recognition of our work on water diplomacy.
Moderated by Basilio Ghisletta, GWH Policy and Law Programme Manager with Natasha Carmi, GWH Senior Water-Peace Programme Manager, as speaker, the session explored how cooperation over water can prevent tensions, support conflict transformation, and contribute to rebuilding trust in post-conflict contexts. Participants exchanged concrete practices, from technical cooperation and mediation to innovation that supports mutual gains.
Beyond the session, the mission enabled bilateral exchanges with the German Federal Government and peacebuilding organisations to explore opportunities for future water peacebuilding initiatives, including in transboundary contexts.
Highlights
• Water’s role across the peace-conflict spectrum
• Preventing weaponisation of water and protecting civilians
• Introducing Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflict (GASWAC) as a preventive peace diplomacy initiative
• Recommendations on good practices, mediation, and innovation
Outcome
Water was integrated into the final conference summary and referenced in the closing remarks of the German Government representatives, recognising its relevance for peacebuilding, cooperation, and trust-building.
Session recording available below: