Why water has become a major geopolitical issue in 2025
Water is more than just a natural resource; it lies at the heart of major geopolitical balances. In 2025, more than 2.2 billion people still lack reliable access to safe drinking water. As climate change exacerbates tensions, water management becomes a strategic factor for either peace or conflict. If managed collaboratively and innovatively, water can become a tool for resilience and sustainable cooperation.
Water as a source of conflict: cross-border tensions and international security
The UN warns that by 2050, 50% of the world’s population will live in areas experiencing severe water stress. In 2025, the Nile Basin remains one of the most sensitive hotspots. Negotiations between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have resumed, but significant differences persist. In Central Asia, discussions are ongoing about the management of the Amu Darya River. Freshwater has become a lever of power, much like energy.
Innovation in sustainable desalination
Water scarcity forces a rethinking of traditional desalination methods. Innovative technologies, such as cryo-separation, offer an alternative that is more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. These solutions address the challenges posed by traditional methods like reverse osmosis, which still carry significant environmental risks. These technologies are part of a broader approach that seeks to combine energy efficiency with ecosystem preservation, while meeting the urgent needs of regions most affected by the water crisis.
Cross-border cooperation: key to turning water into a peace lever
The Danube Treaty and the Nairobi Agreement adopted in 2025 demonstrate that cooperation on water is possible. The Dakar Initiative for Water Cooperation, launched in 2023, strengthens these dynamics. These initiatives reduce the risk of conflict and foster constructive dialogue between neighboring countries.
Local solutions to strengthen water resilience
Projects focused on greywater recycling, decentralized rainwater collection, and mobile purification systems are expanding, especially in Africa and Asia. At Seawards, we collaborate with local communities to implement tailored and accessible solutions. These initiatives enhance water autonomy and regional stability.
Acting together to ensure a sustainable peaceful future
Combining international cooperation, technological innovation, and shared governance is essential. Acting today for water is investing in tomorrow’s peace. Seawards is committed to making water a vector of stability and prosperity.
