It was agreed that a new structure was required to create a mechanism consisting of institutional leaders from the region that will eventually take over the governance of the Blue Peace in the Middle East. In order to create this mechanism, a three-tier process has been adopted – the top tier being represented by influential political leaders in the region, second tier being the Managing Committee, working towards strengthening the priorities, identifying thematic areas of concern and setting priorities in the field of water resources, while the third tier overall coordinated by the Coordination Office, to support the Managing Committee in the facilitation of envisaged activities.

HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan has accepted to chair the top-tier of the initiative, Policy Advisory Committee to give overall strategic guidance.

Pursuant to the decision achieved through consensus by all engaged stakeholders, Turkish Water Institute (SUEN) is to function as the Coordination Office for the period from January 1st, 2019 until December 31st, 2022 in the new structure. In addition to coordination activities for the regional collaborative platform on water, the Coordination Office will also be responsible for the implementation of the project that focuses on “agricultural water use efficiency in the Middle East.” As project partner, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), co-funds the project together with SUEN.

Fig. New Structure of Blue Peace in the Middle East: Regional Collaboration on Water