"Water is an important topic for the OSCE – it can be a source of conflict, just as water co-operation can be a tool for conflict prevention," said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić on the eve of World Water Day.

"Countering the challenges posed by the nexus of food, water, energy and climate change requires joint efforts, since they erase boundaries both within societies and between states, as we in the Western Balkans learnt during the horrendous floods last May," said Dačić.

"Water is a common good, and we have to find an equitable way to share benefits as well as responsibilities in managing this resource."

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier saw co-operative water governance as a catalyst for sustainable development and comprehensive security. "Good water governance requires the accountable, transparent and equitable management of water resources. It contributes to confidence building and is essential for preventing water related conflicts at all levels, including at the level of local communities," said Zannier.

Zannier also stressed that the OSCE's expertise on the link between environment and security can add to global efforts to meet water challenges, such as the current processes related to the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and climate change negotiations.

The Serbian OSCE Chairmanship is devoting this year's OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum process to 'Water governance in the OSCE area – increasing security and stability through co-operation', with next meetings on 11-13 May in Belgrade and 14-16 September in Prague.

For more info on the OSCE's water engagement click here.



Photo by:Vano Shlamov