A recently published study by the international think tank IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute) warns that in the year 2050, 52% of the world’s population will be living in regions with extremely scarce water supplies and that 45% of global output will come under threat if the use of water resources is not drastically improved. In line with this year’s WEF Global Risks Report, political and economic leaders concur that the global water crisis and water scarcity constitute the third biggest risk facing the world.

That transboundary water resources give rise to conflict and violence is nothing new. What is new, however, is Swiss International Cooperation’s Initiative under the banner of “Blue Peace” to use water first and foremost as a means with the potential to promote peace. The “Blue Peace” approach combines politics with hands-on technical expertise. The ultimate beneficiaries are the populations threatened by conflict or water scarcity.

The first edition of Global brief 2014 “Water for peace”, presents the actions and projects that SDC’s Global Programme The Water Initiatives implemented in the world.