19 March 2009: The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is organizing an event on transboundary waters with the theme “Shared Water – Shared Opportunities” to celebrate World Water Day, which will take place on 25 March 2009. The event, which will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, will feature a panel discussion on “Energy Crisis, Food Crisis, Financial Crisis and Climate Change in Transboundary Rivers Opportunities and Challenges.”

The panel discussion will focus on the opportunities for transboundary water management during the current crises, and will include a cross section of UN representatives, government officials, and academics. Availability of freshwater is likely to decline as climate change worsens and population pressure increases. With every country seeking to satisfy its water needs from limited resources, some foresee a future filled with conflict, but history shows that cooperation is the most common response to transboundary water management issues. The event will explore these issues. [Meeting Website]