Water Politics: Empowering Youth, Women, and Indigenous and Local Communities
Source: European Economic and Social Committee
Background
The access to water and sanitation is recognised as human right and the access to clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realisation of all human rights. The EESC with this own-initiative opinion is aiming to address the issue of water-related challenges for the most vulnerable population on the planet and to propose options for their empowerment.
Key points
In the opinion the EESC:
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stresses that young people, women, and indigenous and local communities (including migrants and people with disabilities) are the most vulnerable to water stress and have a large untapped potential for contributing to sustainable water management, for turning water into an instrument of peace and stability, and, thus, for contributing to blue diplomacy;
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calls on the EU to pay due attention to these groups in its external relations and international cooperation and suggests a lighthouse partnership programme related to water stress for addressing how to empower them in an integrated manner;
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notes that access to clean water, education, employment and participation in policymaking are key elements of empowerment. Better access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is crucial, as it frees up time for education and vocational training and opens up more diverse options for employment and the ability to contribute to water management and policies;
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reaffirms that blue and digital technologies are instrumental for improving water management and access to clean water and sanitation;
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highlights that meaningful partnership and funding are critical in the development of infrastructure, education and general capacity building. Both EU funds and national donors’ programmes play a crucial role here and coordination is vital to create synergies and make the most of the allocated resources.
Read here the full article published by the European Economic and Social Committee on 4 December 2024.
Image by the European Economic and Social Committee
Background
The access to water and sanitation is recognised as human right and the access to clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realisation of all human rights. The EESC with this own-initiative opinion is aiming to address the issue of water-related challenges for the most vulnerable population on the planet and to propose options for their empowerment.
Key points
In the opinion the EESC:
-
stresses that young people, women, and indigenous and local communities (including migrants and people with disabilities) are the most vulnerable to water stress and have a large untapped potential for contributing to sustainable water management, for turning water into an instrument of peace and stability, and, thus, for contributing to blue diplomacy;
-
calls on the EU to pay due attention to these groups in its external relations and international cooperation and suggests a lighthouse partnership programme related to water stress for addressing how to empower them in an integrated manner;
-
notes that access to clean water, education, employment and participation in policymaking are key elements of empowerment. Better access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is crucial, as it frees up time for education and vocational training and opens up more diverse options for employment and the ability to contribute to water management and policies;
-
reaffirms that blue and digital technologies are instrumental for improving water management and access to clean water and sanitation;
-
highlights that meaningful partnership and funding are critical in the development of infrastructure, education and general capacity building. Both EU funds and national donors’ programmes play a crucial role here and coordination is vital to create synergies and make the most of the allocated resources.
Read here the full article published by the European Economic and Social Committee on 4 December 2024.
Image by the European Economic and Social Committee