Multistakeholder regional dialogues as catalysers for transboundary water cooperation

Multistakeholder dialogues (MSDs) provide unique opportunities for partners and key stakeholders to meet in a neutral space, get to know each other, and build trust and mutual understanding before getting into the issue of water cooperation. The study identifies four key enabling factors stimulating regional MSDs: (a) balancing inclusion and role of facilitators, (b) utilizing existing regional political and economic processes, (c) using thematic anchoring and strategic design, and (d) leveraging sustainable finance. An examination of transboundary regional MSDs in South East Europe, Southern Africa, and South Asia reveals the pivotal role played by these four factor.