Water Governance and International Security

This episode of Business Diplomacy Today explores the topic of water security. Host Matthias Catón is joined by Susanne Schmeier, Head of the Water Governance Department and Associate Professor of Water Law and Diplomacy at IHE Delft.

They discuss the global water crisis and its implications for meeting the 2030 Agenda, pollution issues, overuse, and potential conflicts. Susanne identifies the necessity to reduce our water footprint and highlights the relationship between businesses, foreign investors, and states in achieving this and holding each other accountable for water consumption. As our most valuable resource and global significance, Matthias and Susanne contextualize these arguments from Latin America to East Asia, exploring examples of collaboration and conflict within different regions.

About the guest

Prof. Susanne Schmeier

Dr. Susanne Schmeier is an Associate Professor of Water Law and Diplomacy and the Head of the Water Governance Department at IHE Delft in the Netherlands.

Her research focuses on conflict and cooperation over shared natural resources and the environment, particularly in water, and the legal and institutional mechanisms at local, national, and international levels to mitigate conflict and build long-term cooperation. She also applies this research to conflict resolution and mediation efforts in various regions worldwide.

Before joining IHE Delft, she worked for the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the World Bank, the Mekong River Commission (MRC), and other international and regional organizations.

Executive Briefing – what you should read now