Water plays critical role in global peace

EXPERTS AT TRENDS CONFERENCE UNDERSCORE NEED FOR COLLABORATION AMONG GOVERNMENTS

- BY ABDULLA RASHEED

Water security for global peace and development took centre stage on the opening day of the fifth TRENDS Conference on Sustainable Water Security, held in Abu Dhabi.

Three sessions brought together international experts, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the geopolitical challenges, technological opportunities, and policy frameworks needed to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all).

The day opened with a session titled Shaping the Future of Water Security, moderated by Abdulaziz Al Shehhi of TRENDS Research and Advisory.

Wars to be fought for water

Liam Fox, former UK defence secretary, warned that water — not oil or minerals — would define the conflicts of the 21st century. He argued that food security, energy stability, and economic growth all depend on sustainable water management, calling for innovation and global frameworks to prevent resource-driven disputes.