This year’s Science for Peace Parliamentary meeting was held in Quy Nhon, Vietnam from the 11th – 13th of September, 2023, thanks to the hosts at The International Centre for Science and Education icisequynhon.com. The conference focused on water security and insecurity, looking at rebuilding peaceful coexistence with science. Water security has been challenged by increasing effects of climate change in recent years which also poses a threat to livelihoods, ecosystems and peace around the world. Consequently, the Science for Peace parliamentary meeting focused on water security and its vital role securing life.
HR2W presented in two sessions during the 3-day meeting, starting with a session focused on the human rights-based approach (HRBA) to water security and peace. Parliamentarians were informed about the link between water security and peace in the world and development. Amanda Loeffen, CEO of HR2W, gave an introduction to the HRBA for improving access to water and sanitation and how this approach can help overcome barriers in the realisation of these human rights.
The second session focused on promoting water security through the monitoring of water quality with citizen science. This session was moderated by Tasnim Jberi (IPU) and included presentations from Amanda Loeffen (HR2W) and MP Denis Naughten (IPU Working Group on Science and Technology) as its speakers. Through case studies in Ireland and some of the activities from the activities of the World Water Quality Alliance, the discussion led to ideas for encouraging parliamentarians to build on citizen science for supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
