Water Governance for Future Leaders

Program Overview

Evolving and complex water problems demand difficult choices by those empowered to make them. Developments in the water sector in recent years such as decentralization, the increasing involvement of the private sector and greater environmental and community awareness, have lead to many new parties influencing policy development.

Future water leaders thus require a modern understanding of water governance, as well as the skills and tools to develop ideas for changes to reflect the new needs within and beyond the sector. This interdisciplinary program has been designed to help learners explore, in depth, the nature and complexities of governance and its implications for addressing key water issues.

An important component of this program will be a three-day strategic leadership training course, led by  the University of Oxford's Said Business School, one of the world’s top management schools. This will ensure both governance and leadership knowledge and skills are advanced to support change.

Program Objectives

Participants will develop an understanding of the concepts, roles, and practices of effective water governance. They will identify and analyze critical governance-related problems in the water sector, design ideas and develop a vision and leadership capabilities to bring about changes that balance economic, social and environmental values.

Who should apply?

Senior advisors and policy-makers, head of departments, leaders involved in public and private sector and civil society organizations. The program is open to all countries in the Arab region.

Benefits for Participants

Engaging key stakeholders from various organizations and countries to participate in professional debate and dialogue will provide participants with:

1. A unique and diverse environment where participants discuss and determine how to incorporate water governance frameworks to benefit the future of international water challenges and opportunities in the MENA region.

2. A senior peer network of individuals experiencing similar challenges who can provide advice and share successful practices in financial, environmental, social, and geopolitical contexts.

The Program

A 3 x 5-day program (15 days total) spread over a period of 6 months. The course sessions are highly interactive and based on hands-on exercises, case study analysis and simulation games inspired by situations in the Arab region.

How to Apply?

Please download and complete the application form then submit it with supporting documents by email or fax.  If you have any queries please do not hesitate to email the Academy (awa@awacademy.ae) or telephone on +971 (50) 181-2699. Please submit your applications to:

The AWA will select participants based on their interest, their experience, the relevance of their background, and in order to achieve a mix of participants across backgrounds, sectors and countries.

Selected candidates will be informed and provided with instructions on the administrative and logistical procedure to be followed to attend the courses.