JFIT Sustainability Insight #4 Building Bridges for Inclusive Water Futures (2020)
Prof. Susana Neto, President of the Portuguese Water Resources Association and adjunct professor at Lisbon University, Griffith University and Westin University, was invited as a guest speaker.
When inquired by Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Office in Jakarta and Regional Bureau, on the implementation of the South-South Cooperation, Prof. Neto emphasized on the significance of a holistic cooperation that is not limited to countries grouped in a specific geographical region. She clarified that such cooperation should be supported and enriched globally, as the issues would affect the whole of human societies, especially during the time of COVID-19 and the following New Normal. She also mentioned on the benefits of the Malaysia-UNESCO Cooperation Programme in giving support and solidarity to the South-South Cooperation, which can be replicated in another modality.
Prof. Neto also emphasized on the need to have all relevant stakeholders’ input in identifying the complexity of the problem and producing the solution for issues on water governance. She further emphasized that the stakeholders need not be limited to certain groups, but it should encompass the society involved, from all levels.