{"id":57,"date":"2026-02-03T13:02:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T13:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gwpo-gwp.org\/caribbean\/?p=57"},"modified":"2026-04-27T10:38:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T09:38:59","slug":"high-level-stakeholders-from-csids-reaffirm-commitment-to-integrated-water-resources-management-at-regional-sdg-6-5-1-workshop-organised-by-gwp-c-in-collaboration-with-unep-gog-and-g-crews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gwpo-gwp.org\/caribbean\/news\/high-level-stakeholders-from-csids-reaffirm-commitment-to-integrated-water-resources-management-at-regional-sdg-6-5-1-workshop-organised-by-gwp-c-in-collaboration-with-unep-gog-and-g-crews\/","title":{"rendered":"High level stakeholders from CSIDS reaffirm commitment to Integrated Water Resources Management At Regional SDG 6.5.1 Workshop Organised By GWP-C in Collaboration With UNEP, GOG and G-CREWS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

High Level Representatives from six Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS)- Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening water security and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) during the recently concluded SDG 6.5.1 Regional Workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The workshop titled, \u201cLeveraging SDG 6 for Accelerated Water Investments in Caribbean SIDS,” was held from July 9\u201310, 2025, in Grenada, hosted by the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the G-CREWS Project, and the Government of Grenada<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was attended by several high-level delegates including permanent secretaries, technical officers and directors- with line responsibilities for water and water resource management authorities from participating countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The workshop brought together key water stakeholders including high level representatives such as permanent secretaries, directors, experts from ministries and sectors with responsibilities related to water\u2014such as water, agriculture, environment, tourism, and health. Their collective participation was instrumental in identifying investment opportunities, sharing good practices, and advancing regional efforts toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, particularly Target 6.5.1, which calls for the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) by 2030. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is not just about infrastructure or policy\u2014it is a matter of human dignity, economic security, and intergenerational justice,\u201d remarked the Hon. Kerryne James<\/a>, Minister for Climate Resilience, The Environment and Renewable Energy- Grenada, as she delivered keynote remarks at the workshop.<\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Caribbean is among the most water-stressed regions in the world when measured against our capacity to store and distribute clean, reliable water, IWRM remains a pressing responsibility and regional priority, explained Chair of the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean- Professor Paulette Bynoe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bynoe said, \u201cWater security is not just a development issue\u2014it’s the foundation of our region\u2019s resilience, health, economy, and environment. Caribbean SIDS face rising climate threats, aging infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment. The time to act is now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regional Coordinator for the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean Dr. Roxanne Graham-Victor expressed that that the workshop created an open and engaging environment for meaningful exchange across countries and sectors. According to Dr. Graham, it provided, \u201cA space to bring your country\u2019s story, your sector\u2019s voice, your institutional perspective, and real-world experiences\u2014sharing practical solutions that work or are ready to be tested,\u201d as it relates to IWRM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IWRM is a participatory process that aims to manage water resources in a sustainable way, considering social, economic, and environmental needs. While many have embraced the concept, full adoption and implementation of IWRM remains a work in progress. <\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vincent Sweeney- Head, Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, UN Environment Programme, explained that UNEP, is proud to support the workshop, which he confirmed to be, \u201cA space for practical peer exchange, collaborative action planning and building forward momentum.\u201d During discussions on enhancing regional implementation efforts, Facilitator Chris Corbin emphasized the need to shift beyond traditional planning toward more tangible, inclusive, and phased actions. \u201cWe want to move from a planning process to one that is inclusive, and action based. These actions must be realistic\u2014things we can achieve in the short term without requiring major financial investments, while also identifying medium- and long-term actions where external resources are expected to play a role,\u201d Corbin stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The workshop concluded with a renewed pledge from Caribbean SIDS to strengthen cooperation, invest in climate-resilient water infrastructure, support IWRM implementation through the development of mini action plans for participating countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n