Experience exchange event: Engendering the water, energy, food, and ecosystems (WEFE) nexus approach to sustainable development

Abstract

The greater the climate change impacts on food and water security, livelihoods, and the environment, the greater our need to work together across disciplines to tackle our shared challenges holistically. The water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus approach is a multi-disciplinary perspective to address complex resource and development challenges that underpin the Sustainable Development Goals. This approach offers a holistic and integrated framework for managing resources in the face of a pluri-dimensional crisis (climate, biodiversity, conflict, degradation etc.) which has profound impacts on water, energy, and food resources.

The Women in Water Diplomacy Network, the Stockholm International Water Institute, the Environmental Law Institute, in collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, through the CGIAR Initiative on NEXUS Gains, co-convened an online experience-sharing workshop to highlight the efforts of researchers and academicians related to WEFE nexus issues, and shine light on the experiences of women diplomats in WEFE sectors. Held on July 31, 2024, the event also explored the dynamic context where water diplomacy, entrepreneurship, research, and innovation can merge to catalyze sustainable development.

Speakers included Claudia Ringler, International Food Policy Research Institute; Farwa Aamer, Asia Society Policy Institute; Julienne Ndjiki (Ngo Yebga), Stockholm International Water Institute; Marlène Elias, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT; Nompumelelo Ntshalintshali-Motsa, Women in Water Diplomacy; Tumaini Mwamyalla, Nile Basin Initiative; Yodit Balcha, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.