The Women in Water Diplomacy Network promotes women’s participation in decision-making and high-level water diplomacy processes to ensure they are inclusive, representative, and successful in the long term. 2023 was a busy year: a new regional network was established in North America, developments began for a Women in Water Diplomacy Network in the Orange-Senqu, and numerous events were held online and around the world.  

Throughout the year, the Network held capacity building workshops on topics such as WASH and digitalization, and co-convened events like 'Elevating Women’s Leadership for Effective Transboundary Water Cooperation'. This event was co-convened by SIWI, the United States Institute of Peace, and the Environmental Law Institute (ELI). A particular highlight for the Network was the UN 2023 Conference, where they hosted a side event inside the UN Headquarters, completely filling the event room.  

Ahead of UN 2023, SIWI, in partnership with the ELI, the International Joint Commission, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and the University of Arizona, convened 'The Water Diplomacy Symposium'. The event elevated the voices of communities that are often excluded from high-level water diplomacy dialogues such as women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples, and allowed for experience sharing and knowledge exchange. It brought together 80 participants out of which 97% strongly agreed or agreed that the Symposium was relevant to their professional work. To round off a remarkable year, the Network held a year in review event which was joined online by over 120 people.