The eradication of hunger, provision of universal access to safely managed water supply and sanitation, and provision of universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy are key goals of the SDGs. This sub-theme will discuss approaches of developing shared water resources in a coordinated manner to achieve the relate sectoral goals for the benefit of all co-riparian communities. The discussions are framed with in the WEF nexus approach due to the interlinked nature of these sectors, which needs their coordinated development. The titles of webinars that will run under Thematic Area 1 are the following:

1.1. Strategic water resources analysis to support nexus approach
1.2. Basin monitoring (including in-situ and remote sensing) to generate data and information needed for water resources planning
1.3. Hydropower development and regional power interconnection and trade
1.4. Water resources development for agricultural production; agricultural water management
1.5. Conjunctive use of transboundary surface and GW resources
1.6. Water supply and sanitation
1.7. Dam cascade operation
1.8. Navigation: contribution to intra-regional trade and food security

The protection and conservation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and reversing their degradation, to which SDG 15 is devoted, is a critical requirement for attainment of sustainable development. This sub-theme will be used to share experiences and best practices in the sustainable management of ecosystem in in a transboundary river/lake basin setting. The titles of webinars that will run under Thematic Area 2 are the following:

2.1. Environmental and ecosystem sustainability (TEEB, wetlands management, eflows, peatlands, marine plastics )
2.2. Lake and river ecosystems
2.3. Forest ecosystems
2.4. Mountain ecosystems in transboundary water basins
2.5. State of basin indicators and reporting
2.6. Water quality monitoring and data management
2.7. Investment for improvement of water quality and pollution control

The Nile Basin is characterized by considerable spatial and temporal water resources variability, which is being amplified by impacts of climate change. Upstream countries in the basin experience high variability in rainfall is highly variable, and oscillate between periods of heavy rainfall and flooding to prolonged periods of drought and little rain, with associated impacts on physical infrastructure and food production. Downstream countries face stark challenges associated with water scarcity, widening aridity and increasing desertification. This sub-theme will provide an opportunity for practitioners to share approaches and new findings in climate sciences and experiences in building resilience to impacts of climate change in transboundary river/lake basins. The titles of webinars that will run under Thematic Area 3 are the following:

3.1. Climate change policy and strategic frameworks, NAPAS, NDCs
3.2. Climate change science – rainfall-runoff forecasting, hydrology, vulnerability assessment, etc.
3.3. Climate information services
3.4. Green technologies and climate smart infrastructure
3.5. Nature-based solutions of climate adaptation
3.6. Disaster Risk Management (including disaster risk prevention; disaster impact mitigation; preparedness; disaster response; and recovery and rehabilitation).
3.7. Regional flood and drought management
3.8. Tapping climate financing opportunities

The Nile Basin is fairly well endowed with water resources, both surface and ground, although they are unevenly distributed in space. Despite the apparent abundance of water, particularly in the upstream parts of the river basin, many of the Nile riparian countries suffer from economic water scarcity, which is the result of inadequate water infrastructure, or inability to satisfy the demand for water even where there is physical water abundance. There are several factors that have contributed to this situation, one of which is the limited access to investment financing. This sub-theme will examine ways and share experiences in approaches used to mobilize investment finance for the water sector in a transboundary setting. The titles of webinars that will run under Thematic Area 4 are the following:

4.1. Basin management plans and investment planning
4.2. Investment project preparation, and project preparation facilities
4.3. Investment promotion and mobilization of downstream investment finance
4.4. Innovative investment financing mechanisms

Effective governance of transboundary rivers is vital for not only fostering cooperation and preventing conflict over water, but also providing the framework for ensuring states can meet their water, energy, food, and human security needs, and reduce their climate and water-related risks such as flood, drought, water pollution and loss of critical ecosystems that support biodiversity. This sub-theme will be used to initiate conversations on ways to deepen transboundary water cooperation, and the contribution of different actors to good governance. The titles of webinars that will run under Thematic Area 5 are the following:

5.1. Transboundary water law and policy; policy harmonization
5.2. Institutional arrangements for sustainable management of transboundary basins
5.3. Collaboration between RECs and RBOs to promote investment in transboundary water basins.
5.4. Mediation and conflict resolution in transboundary basins
5.5. Capacity building and water diplomacy
5.6. Financing of transboundary cooperation
5.7. Gender dimensions in TWM; social inclusion; engagement of special and vulnerable groups including youth and women
5.8. Role of media in supporting transboundary water cooperation
5.9. Business and private sector role in transboundary water cooperation