Secure The Republic

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urged countries to find cooperative solutions to shared water challenges at a high-level discussion held today at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, New York.

Citing the findings in a recently released United States Intelligence Community Assessment on Global Water Security, Secretary Clinton noted that water is becoming an increasing source of tension between countries and a potential factor in state failure. She encouraged countries to increase the priority given to water challenges and to work together to strengthen institutions that support cooperation.

Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Maria Otero moderated the discussion at the “Water, Peace and Security” event, which highlighted recent work from the United States, the UN, and others that underscore the growing challenges water issues pose to peace and security. Senior officials from over 50 governments attended the discussion, which was sponsored by the United States, the European Union, and UN Water. Participants reflected on the implications of these findings and discussed approaches for addressing these challenges at the national and regional levels.