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3 May 2024

International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and its neighbours in Paris

One year after the commencement of the conflict in Sudan, France, Germany and the European Union organised an international humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries. This conference brought together ministers and representatives of 58 States as well as donor agencies, United Nations agencies, regional organisations and humanitarian organisations...

30 Jun 2023

Paris Climate Finance Pact Summit: no clear decisions but increased momentum

France hosted an international summit on a new global financial pact on finance on the 22nd and 23rd of June. The summit aimed amongst others to create financial breathing space for countries facing financial difficulties, to promote private sector investment in low-income countries, to encourage investment in ‘green’ infrastructure, and to respond to the financial needs of countries vulnerable to climate change...

27 Mar 2023

A Paris moment for water?

“Water is about peace. It is about sustainable development. It is about fighting poverty, supporting food systems and creating jobs and prosperity. Water is about human rights and gender equality. That is why water needs to be at the centre of the political agenda. All of humanity’s hopes for the future depend in some way  on charting a science based course to bring the Water Action Agenda to life”...

31 May 2022 PARIS, France

Drought In France Threatens Cereal Production

In France, imited winter rain in February and March has been followed by an exceptionally dry May. Two-thirds of France’s soils have been classified as ‘dry to very dry’, and more than 50% of the 16 French departments have already instituted water use restrictions.  

30 Mar 2022 DAKAR, Senegal

EU Launches Flagship Initiative On Transboundary Water Management In Africa

Water cooperation across borders is about proving that freshwater is not a symbol of conflict but a symbol of partnership and hope. In a speech at the World Water Forum, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission emphasised the transversal role of water, flowing through almost all the SDGs as well as the Paris climate goals.

24 Oct 2021 Manila, Philippines

Asian Development Bank Boosts Climate Finance Goal

The Asian Development Bank plans $66 Billion USD for climate mitigation, with the remaining to be used to support adaptation efforts including improving water security across developing member countries.

19 Apr 2021 PARIS, France

Veolia And Suez Settle Acrimonious Takeover Bid

Peace has been declared in a French water battle that saw two of its leading players at loggerheads for more than six months. The proposed merger agreement will create a group with annual revenues of €37 billion. The new Suez will be a standalone entity with revenues of around €7 billion.

16 Apr 2021 Chennai, India

Climate Change Action Required To Prevent "Chaotic" Monsoons In India

New research predicts that Indian monsoons will become stronger and more chaotic without collective climate action from policy makers across the globe. Scientists warn that increased rainfall in the region will be detrimental to India's agricultural industry and the economy.

21 Feb 2021 PARIS, France

Veolia Appeals To Suez Shareholders In Hostile Takeover Bid

French water, waste management and energy giant Veolia filed a tender offer on 7 February for the shares in rival Suez that it doesn’t already own. The move takes the increasingly acrimonious takeover bid out of the boardroom and into the hands of shareholders.Suez claims the offer of almost $21.90 USD per share for the remaining Suez shares violates Veolia’s commitment to amicability in the takeover, which began in October last year with the acquisition of a 29...

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4 Feb 2021 LJUBLJANA, Slovenia

Mobilising Water Investments, Strengthening Water Partnerships In Europe

The Government of Slovenia and the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships opened a four-day conference on water 18 January, with the support of Portugal as the current European Union (EU) Council President.The "Water and Beyond: EU transformative approaches for international partnerships" conference considered transformative approaches to mobilise water investments, strengthen partnerships and improve communication between countries in order to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement...

3 Feb 2021 THE HAGUE, Netherlands

Water Must Be Driving Force In Climate Change Adaptation Policies

Water challenges featured on the agenda as one of the “action themes” at January's Climate Adaptation Summit 2021, hosted virtually by the Netherlands, with more than 30 world leaders stating unequivocally their firm support of climate adaptation action, and marking a return to the world climate stage of the United States...

3 Feb 2021 WASHINGTON DC, United States

Biden’s First Steps On Road to Blue-Green Recovery

Newly-inaugurated US President Joseph Biden has wasted little time in honouring his campaign promise to prioritise climate policy and undo a previous deregulation agenda, and science-denialism ideology propagated by his predecessor.On his first day in office, President Biden demonstrated his commitment to tackling the climate crisis with several executive orders including re-joining the Paris Agreement, revoking the withdrawal of the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline...