'Water, Peace, and War: Confronting Global Water Crisis' Seminar

Report by Santanu Ganguly: With diplomatic, political and economic exchanges over water creating friction among neighboring nations, the global crisis over access to this precious resource is considered to be one of the most contentious issues of our generation. What are the geopolitical implications of water shortage, and how are they connected to equally pressing food and energy challenges in developing economies? Regional and international cooperation is needed to better understand the challenges as well as provide a holistic approach to shaping global water policy. Join our distinguished speakers for a broad-ranging discussion on how we can confront this global challenge. 

This pioneering and authoritative study considers the profound impact of the growing global water crunch on international peace and security as well as possible ways to mitigate the crisis. Water is essential to sustaining life and livelihoods, yet it remains the world's most underappreciated and undervalued resource. One sobering fact is that the retail price of bottled water is already higher than the international spot price of crude oil. But unlike oil, water has no substitute, raising the specter of water becoming the next flashpoint for conflict. The danger is that these water wars could escalate to armed conflict or further limit already stretched food and energy production.

Speakers: 

Brahma Chellaney, Professor of Strategic Studies, Centre for Policy Research

Kanwal Sibal, Former Foreign Secretary of India

Brahma Chellaney is presently a professor of strategic studies at the Center for Policy Research in New Delhi. Chellaney is also a trustee of the National Book Trust and an affiliate with the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization, at King’s College London. He has served as a member of the Policy Advisory Group headed by the foreign minister of India. Before that, he was an adviser to India’s National Security Council. As a specialist on international strategic issues, he has held appointments at Harvard University, the Brookings Institution, the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, and the Australian National University. 

Kanwal Sibal joined the Indian Foreign Service in July 1966, eventually serving as India's Foreign Secretary. He was Deputy Chief of Mission in the US, and India's ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. He has been a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board and served as President of the Association of Indian Diplomats. He is Dean, Centre for International Relations and Diplomacy of the Vivekanand Foundation and Editorial Consultant to The Indian Defence Review. He has received the high distinction of Grand Officier of the Ordre du Merite from France.
 

Date: Friday, 25th April, 2014

Time: 6:30 pm
Registration begins at 6:00 pm

Venue: CSMVS Visitor’s Centre Annex Auditorium, CSMVS Museum, 159-161, M.G Road, Fort, Mumbai

RSVP required:
asiasociety@asiasociety.org.in
Priority for Asia Society Members