The EMPOWERS Thematic Group

Advancing participation and dialogue in local water governance in the MENA Region

What is it?

The EMPOWERS thematic group (ETG)[1] is a group of national, regional and international organizations with a shared desire to build on and scale-up the philosophy and approach to local water governance developed by EMPOWERS and similar projects. It does this by providing a platform for like minded individuals and organizations to meet, share information and experiences, undertake advocacy, and develop shared activities.

The vision of the group is of a region in which all water users (particularly the poor and vulnerable) and stakeholders are actively and meaningfully involved in the management of their water resources.

We believe that by achieving our vision we will in turn contribute to the wider cause of ensuring more equitable and sustainable development of the regions scarce water resources.

Who are we?

Currently the ETG is drawn in principle from the existing partners of the EMPOWERS programme, namely: INWRDAM, IRC, Care International (MERMU and in Egypt), PHG, CEDARE, CEOSS, DRTPC-Cairo University, in addition to the IUCN-WESCANA that joined the ETG just recently

The group is open to all and you are encouraged to join!

What is involved?

The group aims to provide a flexible and effective platform for its members. To this end, a light organizational framework has been developed, centered on a secretariat housed in INWRDAM. The secretariat will, in addition to ensuring an active network, maintain a web-site and quarterly newsletter as well as other information management, training and advocacy activities.

Two regional meetings of members will be organized every year, as a platform for sharing and programme development. Attendance of these meetings is the primary commitment asked of members.

In addition to an active engagement with the activities of the group a small membership fee is asked, to contribute to the costs of running the secretariat and information dissemination activities (US$ 100 for individuals; 750 for national organizations; 1,500 for regional and international organizations).

How to join…

Simply contact us (empowers@nic.net.jo) to find out more, or come to the next ETG meeting to see if it is something for you.

We look forward to meeting you!

Further details on the next ETG meeting will be posted here on the ETG website.

[1] ETG is a working title, reflecting the origins of the group. It is open to change or adaptation