The inaugural session of the two-day long international conference on ‘Transboundary Rivers of South Asia: Fostering Regional Collaboration for Environmental Sustainability’ successfully commenced on Tuesday at North South University.
The event, organised by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance in collaboration with the department of geography at the University of Manchester, UK, and the National River Conservation Commission, Bangladesh, aims to address critical issues surrounding transboundary river management and environmental sustainability in South Asia, said a press release.
The South Asian Network for Public Administration is the associate partner of the conference.
The opening ceremony featured professor Akhlaque Haque, SANPA president, Mehebub Sahana, lecturer, University of Manchester, UK, ambassador Mashfee Binte Shams, rector, foreign service academy, ministry of foreign affairs, Bangladesh, Sarwar Mahmud, NRCC chairman, and professor Atiqul Islam, NSU vice-chancellor.
A total of 40 papers will be presented at the conference by authors from Bangladesh, Nepal, the United Kingdom, Turkiye and Kenya. There are around 60 participants of which 30 are international, mostly from India. An edited volume will be published from the selected papers of the conference by CRC Press, Routledge-Taylor and Francis Group.Â
Professor Akhlaque Haque emphasised the importance of sustainable management of the shared water resources of South Asia. Mehebub Sahana provided an insightful introduction to the conference themes and objectives. Mohammad Abul Hossen stressed the importance of joint efforts, stating that stakeholders play an important role in resolving water issues.
Ambassador Mashfee Binte Shams stated that countries in the South Asian regions had a shared history, similar linguistic and cultural roots. Sarwar Mahmud echoed the sentiment, advocating for enhanced regional cooperation to protect vital water resources and foster sustainable development. Professor Atiqul Islam emphasised the importance of upstream riverine countries being considerate of the downstream countries, as they also have rights to water resources.
The conference brought together leading scholars, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across South Asia and beyond, facilitating meaningful dialogue and sharing of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing regional collaboration for environmental sustainability.
