The University of Calgary, in collaboration with the Swiss Consulate, hosted an international event titled “Blue Peace and Beyond: Transboundary Water Diplomacy for a Secure World” on November 26. The gathering brought together experts from Canada and Switzerland, including leaders in policy, science, governance, and industry, to discuss the future of water security, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
🌍 Water Security Highlighted as a Global Peace Issue
Speaking at the event, Thomas Schneider, Consul General of Switzerland in Vancouver, stressed that freshwater scarcity is worsening due to climate change, population growth, pollution, and international conflicts.
He emphasized that water is not just an environmental concern, but a critical element linked to food security, energy production, public health, and global peace.
Schneider urged the global community to transform shared water resources from potential sources of conflict into tools for cooperation, ensuring long-term water security for future generations.
🤝 Call for Global Cooperation Through the Blue Peace Initiative
The conversation focused strongly on Switzerland’s Blue Peace Initiative, a global framework that encourages:
- Fair and sustainable water governance
- Co-operation across borders and sectors
- Joint institutions and legal systems
- Peaceful resolution of water-related disputes
UCalgary President Dr. Ed McCauley expressed the university’s strong support, noting UCalgary’s leadership in water research, innovation, and global sustainability efforts.
🔬 UCalgary’s Global Leadership in Water Research
The University of Calgary is home to several internationally recognized water programs, including:
- The world’s first UNU Hub focused on Empowering Communities to Adapt to Environmental Change
- Two UNESCO Research Co-Chairs in Mountain Water Sustainability
- Multiple Canada Research Chairs dedicated to water-related studies
These initiatives strengthen UCalgary’s role in advancing water innovation, resilience, and transboundary collaboration.
🎙️ Expert Panel Discusses Long-Term Solutions
The event, moderated by Dr. McCauley, featured:
- Sibylle Vermont – Former Deputy Head, Global Affairs Section, Swiss Federal Office for the Environment
- Dr. Christian Bréthaut – Associate Professor, Water Governance, University of Geneva
- Dr. Kerry Black – Canada Research Chair in (Re)Engineering Sustainable Communities, University of Calgary
The panellists emphasized that solving the global water crisis requires:
- Community engagement
- Inclusive and culturally informed data, including insights from Indigenous communities
- Long-term planning over short-term policies
- Stronger water literacy and public awareness
They highlighted that technology alone cannot solve water insecurity—effective policies and long-term commitment are essential.
🏫 Campus Community Engages with Global Water Experts
During their visit, Swiss experts conducted interactive sessions with students, researchers, and faculty members. Discussions covered:
- Women in environmental governance
- Water diplomacy for environmental peace
- Swiss case studies in water cooperation
They also held research and policy-focused meetings with UNU Hub members and UCalgary UNESCO Chairs to strengthen future international collaboration.
🌐 UCalgary Strengthens Its Role in Global Science Diplomacy
The university continues to expand its contributions to global innovation, notably through:
XPRIZE Canada Hub
UCalgary hosts the XPRIZE Canada Hub, which accelerates breakthrough solutions for global challenges.
This includes supporting the $119-million XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, focused on creating affordable and sustainable seawater desalination technologies.
Over the summer, UCalgary welcomed 50 international Track A teams to validate new clean-water solutions.
Canadian Science Diplomacy Summit 2026
The event also paved the way for the 2026 Canadian Science Diplomacy Summit, which UCalgary will co-host with the Swiss Consulate and other institutions.
The summit will work with GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator) to ensure scientific discoveries translate into peaceful, equitable, and sustainable global progress.
🖼️ Blue Peace Exhibition Open Until December 12
Visitors can explore “Blue Peace: From Water Competition to Collaboration”, an exhibition located in the EEEL lobby until December 12.
The exhibit showcases the principles, stories, and global impact of water diplomacy.
