The tenth session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP 10) to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) adopted 25 decisions, reaffirming the fundamental role of transboundary water cooperation for peace and sustainable development at global and regional levels, including through its work on the SDGs.

According to the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report of the meeting, delegates adopted a new Programme of Work (PoW) for the period 2025-2027, along with a budget to support its implementation, and initiated work on a financial mechanism to secure guaranteed cyclical funding. Currently, ENB notes, the Water Convention relies on voluntary contributions.

A high-level segment themed, ‘Our Waters, Our Future: Transboundary Water Cooperation to Power Climate Resilience,’ catalyzed strategic debates on the crucial role transboundary water cooperation plays in realizing climate resilience and sustainable development in transboundary river basins and among countries involved.

Discussions also focused on new approaches, including “source-to-sea” management, with an emphasis on integrated river basin management and integration of ocean considerations, as well as twinning initiatives, “where new Parties linked arms with seasoned ones as an opportunity for learning and growth.”

Side events that convened on the sidelines of the MOP addressed innovative financing, early warning systems, climate action with a nexus approach, and drought management.

Water Convention MOP 10 took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 23-25 October 2024. It was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning of Slovenia, on behalf of the Government of Slovenia, in close cooperation with the Secretariat of the Water Convention. The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) hosted the meeting.

A pre-MOP Match-making Event on 22 October brought together those needing support and those able to provide it. The event identified technical and financial resources for implementation of Water Convention-related plans and projects in new parties. Partners included representatives of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Commission (EC) Directorate-General for International Partnerships, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and the World Bank.

According to ENB, 80% of all countries share rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Adopted in 1992, the Water Convention aims to promote the sustainable use of transboundary water resources, facilitate cooperation, support the achievement of the SDGs, contribute to peace and stability, and support cooperative climate action. [ENB Coverage of Water Convention MOP 10]