SPI Grantee Co-Authors Piece on Decolonising Water Diplomacy
Our 2024 SPI grantee Dr Mohsen Nagheeby has co-authored a perspective titled "Decolonizing water diplomacy for justice: Conceptual reflections and policy implications.” The article invites the water diplomacy community to look beyond a narrow security lens and place fairness, recognition, and inclusion at the centre of decision-making.
Why it matters
Water diplomacy often focuses on preventing or managing conflict. The authors argue that durable solutions also require equity and identity, acknowledging diverse water values, lived realities, and knowledge systems. This approach aligns with the Geneva Water Hub’s Water for Peace agenda and our mission to connect research with practice.
Key points at a glance
- Reframe the goal: From risk management to justice-oriented outcomes that improve recognition and access.
- Broaden who counts as “expert”: Bring local, Indigenous, and practice-based knowledge alongside technical expertise.
- Translate into policy: Diagnose colonial legacies, design participatory processes, and measure success with context-specific indicators (trust, recognition, equitable access), not only conflict avoidance.
Read the article
Access via SAGE (Open Access/DOI):
[https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27538796251362284](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27538796251362284)
About the SPI Grant
The Geneva Water Hub’s Science Policy Interface (SPI) Grant supports researchers in turning evidence into policy-relevant outputs and dialogue with practitioners and diplomats. Dr Nagheeby was selected as the 2024 grantee for his work on decolonising water diplomacy.
Learn more about the SPI Grant HERE