STREAMS OF CHANGE: WATER SCARCITY SOLUTIONS – MANAGING DROUGHT RISKS

GWSC Champions Water-Sensitive Urban Planning at Global Forum on Drought and Water Scarcity

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – As the world confronts a growing water crisis, the Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC) took a leading role in a critical discussion on sustainable solutions. On June 20, 2025, GWSC co-hosted the “Streams of Change: Water Scarcity Solutions – Managing Drought Risks” virtual event, bringing together global experts to addre[1]ss the urgent challenges of drought and water stress.

The event, co-hosted with the UNITAR Global Water Academy and CIFAL Bangkok at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), addressed the stark reality that water shortages already impact over 36% of the world’s population and are projected to affect 5 billion people by 2050. As speaker Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu of UNITAR stated, “Water scarcity is not only an environmental issue; it is a development, security, and equity issue.”

A Focus on Urban Solutions: Hendra Gupta Presents for GWSC

Representing the Global Water & Sanitation Center was Hendra Gupta, the Center’s Deputy COO. In his session, “Water-Sensitive Urban Planning in Secondary Cities of Southeast Asia,” Mr. Gupta presented pivotal findings from the Poly Urban Waters Project, which helps [1]growing cities develop sustainable water strategies.

Focusing on the case of Kratié, Cambodia—a city located on the banks of the mighty Mekong River—Mr. Gupta highlighted a common paradox: the simultaneous existence of water abundance and severe water scarcity. He explained that despite its location, the city suffers from seasonal droughts and damaging floods due to rapid, unplanned expansion, poor wastewater management, and the degradation of natural wetlands.

Mr. Hendra Gupta emphasized that a new, integrated approach is essential. His presentation called for:

  • A combination of both centralized and decentralized wastewater solutions.
  • The strategic preservation of natural flood-absorbing areas like lakes.
  • Improved solid waste management to protect water sources.

He concluded with a powerful call to action, urging cities to treat water as a “strategic cross-cutting issue” and to embed resilience, biodiversity, and climate adaptation directly into their core development plans.

A Collaborative Front Against Water Stress

The forum featured a range of innovative perspectives, underscoring the need for a multi-faceted response to the water crisis. Experts from the Asian Development Bank detailed financial initiatives and adaptation projects, while researchers from AIT showcase[1]d high-resolution hydrological modeling in Thailand to overcome water data scarcity and technology-enabled smart agriculture projects designed to build drought resilience among farmers.

The discussions collectively underscored a central theme: that through a combination of forward-thinking policy, innovative technology, and community-centered approaches, the challenges of drought and water scarcity can be effectively managed.

The Global Water & Sanitation Center remains dedicated to driving these solutions forward, fostering the collaborations and knowledge-sharing necessary to build a resilient and water-secure world.

Read more here: https://unitar.org/about/news-stories/news/streams-change-water-scarcity-solutions-managing-drought-risks-online-event