IFPRI Director Urges Whole-of-Government Action On Pakistan's Water Challenges

Speaking at Pakistan Water Week 2026, Claudia Ringler called for coordinated investment, stronger governance, regional cooperation and climate-resilient measures, including improved groundwater management and aligned federal and provincial WASH plans. ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Nov, 2026) Dr. Claudia Ringler, Director of Agrifood Innovation and Resilience at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), has called for an integrated, whole-of-government approach to address Pakistan's growing water challenges, stressing the need for coordinated investments, climate resilience, youth engagement and stronger water governance. Addressing the closing session of the five-day Sixth Pakistan Water Week 2026 international conference, she said water challenges could not be addressed by water management agencies alone, emphasising the need for collective action across government institutions and sectors. Reviewing the conference deliberations, Dr. She said participants had proposed establishing an international commission or committee involving Himalayan countries to jointly assess emerging risks, develop early detection systems and strengthen preparedness among vulnerable populations. Referring to discussions on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), she stressed the need for Pakistan to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.1 and 6.2, relating to safe drinking water and sanitation, respectively. She called for better alignment of federal and provincial WASH plans and improved coordination among relevant institutions to achieve the 2030 targets. Highlighting the importance of data-driven technologies, she said integrated water modelling could help balance the competing demands of cities, agriculture, energy and ecosystems while identifying trade-offs and developing mutually beneficial solutions. On water infrastructure, she emphasised the need for comprehensive evaluation frameworks incorporating agricultural, financial, economic, environmental, social and governance considerations to ensure sustainable benefits from development projects. Drawing attention to groundwater challenges, particularly in Balochistan, she called for greater investment in managed aquifer recharge, noting that extreme water scarcity and groundwater depletion had made such interventions increasingly urgent. She also stressed the importance of integrating groundwater recharge initiatives with nature-based solutions, including wetland and river restoration, to improve groundwater retention and strengthen ecosystem management. Dr. Ringler called for greater youth participation in water policy discussions and conference plenary sessions, observing that present-day water management decisions would directly influence future generations' economic opportunities, food security and nutrition. She also proposed introducing a youth innovation award to encourage technology-driven solutions, particularly through artificial intelligence, for improving water management and quality. Emphasising evidence-based water governance, she called for a common national and provincial glossary covering water accounting, efficiency, productivity, consumption, depletion and savings, stressing that progress should also be assessed through measurable outcomes. Highlighting the water sector's role in climate change mitigation, she called for integrating adaptation and emissions-reduction initiatives, including shifting from diesel-powered systems to solar energy, reducing methane emissions from sewage systems and improving water-use efficiency in agriculture and irrigation. She stressed that Pakistan must contribute to global emissions-reduction efforts rather than waiting for other countries to take the lead, adding that investments in water efficiency could simultaneously strengthen climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She also recommended scheduling sessions on women's participation in the water sector earlier in future conference programmes and arranging dedicated sessions for representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to ensure more inclusive participation. Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo was the chief guest at the concluding session. Addressing the participants, he reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to safeguard its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty through lawful and peaceful means and called for international support for compliance with the treaty and the binding arbitration award. Other distinguished speakers included Dr. Neil Lazarow, Research Program Manager for Water at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); Johan Gely, Asia Director for Research Impact at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI); and Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), who shared their insights on water security and sustainable resource management. Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Strategic Program Director – Water, Food and Ecosystems at IWMI, delivered the closing remarks and vote of thanks. The five-day international conference focused on translating commitments into practical action to strengthen water security and promote climate-resilient food systems in Pakistan.