Arba Minch University (AMU) together with Ministry of Water and Energy held 12th Water, Hydro-Diplomacy and Communication Forum at Arba Minch, AMU, on May 22, 2025. The conference focused on critical issues of trans-boundary water cooperation; high-level government officials from Ministry of Water and Energy and AMU, scholars, diplomats, engineers, policymakers, water diplomacy activists, and development partners graced the event. Click here to see more photos.
Habtamu Itefa (PhD, Ing.), Minister of Water and Energy, officially opening the event and highlighting Ethiopia's vast water resources said that despite possessing over 120 billion cubic surface of water, the country has yet to maximize utilization of its potential. Dr. Habtamu emphasized the need for Ethiopia to actively promote its water resources through scientific research and effective communication to the global community. According to him, effective utilization of water resources and training future generations to become skilled water diplomats is a mandatory plan, thus higher education institutions must play a pivotal role in cultivating the new generation as skilled water diplomats, negotiators, and scientists so that sustainable water development relies on strong diplomatic efforts supported by transparency, trust, and comprehensive information sharing and communication.
Bogale Gebremariam (PhD, Ing.), AMU Academic Affairs Vice President, underscored the significance of trans-boundary water cooperation. He noted that over 250 major rivers shared by multiple nations cover almost half of the total land surface and sustain more than 40% of the world’s population. Water is different from other natural resources because different users use the same water repeatedly as the water travels downstream as in the case surface water and down-gradient as in underground water aquifers; economic growth, prosperity and improved quality of life requires adequate supply of high-quality water on a regular and sustained basis, he remarked. Due to scarcity of water resources, Dr. Bogale also warned that there is a potential for conflicts arising on shared water resources, so to resolve this, trans-boundary water sharing should be based on four basic principles: coordination, cooperation, interdisciplinary analysis, watershed and river basin planning and adaptive management.
Tameru Tesseme (PhD), Scientific Director of Arba Minch Water Technology Institute/AWTi), during his insightful speech delivery noted that there is urgent need for innovative solutions and collaboration to tackle trans-boundary water challenges, capacity building and fostering partnerships among stakeholders to ensure sustainable water management.
The renowned advocate Mohamed Alarusi also, on his part, emphasized the vital role of citizen engagement in water diplomacy. Reflecting on Ethiopia's journey with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam/GERD/, Mohammed acknowledged the government's efforts but urged for more substantial actions to promote the country's narrative on the global stage. Unity and determination among Ethiopians to overcome challenges and contribute to national aspirations particularly in securing access to international waterways is inevitable, he remarked.
Five papers addressed during the forum include the following: “Impact of Climate Change on Future Availability of Water for Irrigation and Hydropower Generation in Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia” by Tamiru Paulos (PhD), “Hydrological Assessment of LULC and Climate Change within the Water Resource Development Scenarios: Case Study in OmoGibe Basin, Ethiopia” by Shiferaw E. Chaemiso (PhD), “Investigation of Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Surface Water and Groundwater Resources in the Omo-Gibe River Basin, Ethiopia” by Ayano Hirbo Gelebo from AMU, “From GERD to Wabi Shebelle: Hydro-politics, Infrastructure, and National Unity in Ethiopia’s Development Strategy” by Mingizem Amare from Bahir Dar University and “The Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement: Decolonization of the Nile River Water Diplomacy and the Existing Challenges” by Abay Worku from Arba Minch University.
Arba Minch, Adama Science and Technology, Bahir Dar, Jimma, and Addis Ababa Universities and senior officials from the Ministry of Water and Energy and AMU participated in the forum. The event underscored the critical need for cooperation among nations sharing trans-boundary water resources while safeguarding national interests. Research papers presented at the conference covered a range of topics including climate change impacts, hydrological assessments, and the political landscape surrounding the Nile River Basin. As planned, the forum effectively served as a significant platform for exchanging ideas and strategies aimed at achieving sustainable water management and fostering regional cooperation.
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Public and International Relations Executive