SustainFood Student and Early Career Researchers (SECP) Webinar

Title: Navigating Complex Currents: Challenges and Practices in Water Diplomacy for Transboundary River Basins

Synopsis: Transboundary River Basins (TRBs) represent flashpoints in water diplomacy across political boundaries due to their involvement in environmental, economic, and geopolitical issues. Thus, challenges arise when nations seek to harness and manage these shared resources. One major issue in water diplomacy is the unequal distribution of water, leading to conflicts often characterized by asymmetrical power relations. More powerful nations may use treaties and negotiations to secure water flows that favor their interests, sometimes at the expense of weaker neighbors.

Effective water diplomacy requires strong frameworks that enable both technical cooperation and fair political engagement. Most importantly, trust and cooperation must be cultivated, as water diplomacy does not happen in isolation. Continuous engagement and dialogue are essential, given the interrelated political contexts of the countries involved. This interaction is especially critical in addressing collective challenges posed by climate change, which alters water availability and increases extreme weather events. Addressing the technical, political, and social dimensions of water diplomacy will help manage these shared water resources peacefully, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for cooperation and mutual development.

About the Speaker: I am Yousef Khajavigodellou, a PhD candidate at Michigan State University in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Science, pursuing a dual major in Environmental Science Policy. Since joining the Spartan community in the fall of 2021, my expertise in environmental challenges has grown profoundly. My academic journey is marked by rigorous training and a cross-disciplinary research strategy, enhancing my capabilities in advanced water management. This path reflects the holistic scope of geography, which merges environmental engineering, socio-economic studies, and policy analysis to tackle critical global environmental issues.

My primary research investigates the socio-economic consequences of water bankruptcy in transboundary river basins (TRBs) and specific regions such as the Lake Urmia basin. This vital research aims to discover sustainable solutions to pressing environmental crises.

In my studies, I delve deeply into the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus within TRBs, particularly focusing on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. My work rigorously explores the intricate relationships between water scarcity, climate change, and socio-economic factors. A significant aspect of my research involves the development of innovative WEF Diplomacy Frameworks. These frameworks are designed to advance adaptive transformative diplomacy, aiming to avert WEF bankruptcy and enhance cooperation among various stakeholders and agents at multiple levels, from local to global.

SustainFood’s Student and Early Career Professionals Community (SECP) is excited to share this presentation with questions and answers. Please join us to learn more about the students in our community and their research!