In a virtual gathering marked by the urgency and global solidarity, leading scientists, academia, environmentalists, experts and thought leaders from Asia Region for an international webinar titled “WATER FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY,” organized by CIDAL of Caritas India in collaboration with Caritas Asia, to commemorate World Water Day 2024. Against the backdrop of escalating water challenges exacerbated by population growth, agricultural demands, and the impacts of climate change, the event served as a platform to address the critical need for collective action to safeguard our planet’s most precious resource.

The webinar, convened on the occasion of World Water Day, emphasized the imperative of equitable access to clean and safe water as a cornerstone for peace and prosperity. With water scarcity looming as a global threat, the event aimed to galvanize stakeholders towards sustainable water management practices that prioritize the needs of all communities.

Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Director of Caritas India, set the stage for the discussions with his welcome address underscoring the fundamental role of water in fostering peace and prosperity. Against the backdrop of escalating water stress and scarcity, Fr. Jolly called for urgent and collective action to mitigate the crisis and uphold the principles of sustainable development goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation.

Dr. Benedict Alo D’Rozario, President of Caritas Asia, elaborated on the webinar’s theme, “Water for Peace and Prosperity,” emphasizing the importance of conserving and promoting alternate sources of water to ensure a sustainable future for all. His keynote address resonated with participants, highlighting the intrinsic link between water security and socio-economic development.

Senior Advocacy Officer at Caritas Internationalis, Ms. Musamba Mubanga shared on the global water scarcity and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Advocating for collective action and sustainable practices, Ms. Mubanga stressed the transformative potential of water management initiatives in fostering peace and prosperity.

Visiting Professor cum Outreach Advisor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dharwad, Prof. K.V. Jayakumar provided insights into global water availability and projected water scarcity. With over 120 publications and extensive experience in hydrology, he elucidated the environmental flow requirements and the need for holistic approaches to water management.

Development Coordinator at CARITAS Zimbabwe Bulawayo, Mr. Sibanda shared his experiences from the 2023 Global Water conference in New York, emphasizing the role of community-led initiatives in addressing water challenges. With a background in finance and administration, he highlighted the importance of grassroots empowerment in achieving water security.

Former Director of the Arctic Centre in Rovaniemi, Finland, Dr. Manfred A. Lange discussed climate and environmental changes in the Mediterranean region. As a member of the Sustainable Development Solution Network, he proposed mitigative and adaptive measures to address the looming crisis, including artificial recharge of groundwater and innovative irrigation technologies.

Civil Engineer and Urban Planner, Mr.  S. Vishwanath emphasized the importance of groundwater replenishment and indigenous water conservation practices in addressing water scarcity. With a wealth of experience in ecological architecture, he showcased successful examples of well revival projects in rural Karnataka and advocated for sustainable water management practices.

Director of Caritas Tajikistan, Mr. Yormahmad Kholov provided insights into water resources management in Tajikistan and the government’s efforts to mitigate the water crisis. With a background in finance and public administration, he highlighted the importance of capacity building and integrated water management approaches in achieving water security.

Caritas India’s Climate Justice Lead Dr. Haridas, who was attending a River conference in Odisha, also shared his thoughts in the webinar. He emphasized the importance of rainwater conservation and recharge systems, drawing parallels with the water crisis faced by cities like Cape Town and Madagascar. He stressed the need for proactive measures to manage India’s abundant rainfall effectively, emphasizing the critical role of water management in ensuring future water security for drinking and irrigation purposes.

Reflecting on the insights shared during the webinar, experts commended the proactive efforts of Caritas Confederation in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the water crisis. By championing innovative solutions and community-led initiatives, Caritas played a key role in promoting water security and resilience in the face of adversity.

The webinar also showcased inspiring stories of grassroots initiatives and indigenous practices aimed at water conservation and revival. From community-led well-digging projects in rural Karnataka to government-led reforms in Tajikistan, these stories underscored the transformative power of local action in combating the water crisis.