Keynote by Ms. Ikhlas Abu Zneimeh

Ms Ikhlas began her keynote by highlighting that the ideas she was to present were the result of numerous meetings and discussions with representatives of local communities in Jordan as well as the outcome of the cross-visits for exchanging experiences with communities in the Governorate of Beni Sueif in Egypt and the Governorate of Jenin in the West Bank.

Ms. Ikhlas presented the changes that took place in the course of the EMPOWERS project and how the local communities have profited form these changes. Dialogue and debate have been the basis for better interaction and better communication between local communities and government officials at the governorate level. This has resulted in a better understanding of the officials for local problems and a better understanding of local communities for water problems beyond the realm of the local community and for government priorities and concerns. Shared responsibilities for the valuable water resources has been the result. The local communities are now better capable to identify and express their problems, to claim their rights and to be equal partners in the dialogue with government officials and others. The participation of the local communities in the planning of water resources and water projects has resulted in better and shared solutions. What is now needed is policies that guarantee the participation of local communities in the planning of the water resources.

The complete keynote is available in English (translated) and Arabic at the links below