The University of Calgary, together with the Swiss Consulate, hosted a major international event titled Blue Peace and Beyond: Transboundary Water Diplomacy for a Secure World on November 26. The program brought together Canadian and Swiss experts, policy leaders, researchers, and industry professionals to discuss the future of global water security and the rising need for cross-border cooperation.

Water Security Recognized as a Key Global Challenge

During the event, Thomas Schneider, Consul General of Switzerland in Vancouver, warned that climate change, pollution, population growth, and regional conflicts are putting severe pressure on the world’s freshwater resources.
He emphasized that water is not just an environmental concern but a core factor in food security, energy production, public health, and international peace.

Schneider noted that shared rivers and lakes can either become sources of conflict or powerful tools for cooperation. He urged global leaders to transform water into an instrument of peace, resilience, and long-term stability.

International Collaboration Highlighted as Essential for Water Governance

A major part of the discussion focused on Switzerland’s Blue Peace initiative, which promotes fair, efficient, and cooperative management of water across borders.
Its goals include:

• Creating joint water institutions

• Developing cross-border legal frameworks

• Supporting peaceful conflict resolution

• Ensuring sustainable management across generations

UCalgary President Dr. Ed McCauley reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing innovative research and supporting the Blue Peace vision through science, policy leadership, and global partnerships.

UCalgary Strengthens Its Position as a Global Leader in Water Research

UCalgary hosts several prestigious water research programs, including:

• The world’s first United Nations University Hub (UNU Hub) dedicated to community adaptation and environmental change

• Two UNESCO Research Co-Chairs in Mountain Water Sustainability

• Multiple Canada Research Chairs working in water and environmental science

A panel moderated by Dr. McCauley featured:

• Sibylle Vermont, former Deputy Head of Global Affairs at the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment

• Dr. Christian Bréthaut, Associate Professor of Water Governance at the University of Geneva

• Dr. Kerry Black, UCalgary Canada Research Chair in (Re)Engineering Sustainable Communities

The speakers emphasized that technology alone cannot solve water scarcity. Successful solutions require inclusive policies, community involvement, Indigenous knowledge, and long-term investment.

Campus Community Engages with Swiss Experts

During their visit, the Swiss delegates met with students, faculty members, and researchers across UCalgary. They participated in discussions covering:

• Women’s leadership in environmental governance

• Water diplomacy and peacebuilding

• Swiss approaches to water management

• Collaborative research and policy development

The sessions strengthened partnerships between UCalgary, the UNU Hub, and the UNESCO Water Sustainability Chairs, laying the foundation for continued research collaboration.

Experts Call for Stronger Global Partnerships

Panelists highlighted that governments often underestimate the real cost of maintaining and protecting water systems. Issues such as aging infrastructure, energy demands, and climate pressures require coordinated action and large-scale investment.

They also stressed the importance of:

• Better water literacy

• Inclusion of Indigenous data and perspectives

• Stronger networks among like-minded countries

• Youth involvement and global advocacy

The discussion concluded with a call to redefine water security with a stronger focus on both human needs and ecological health.

Swiss Ambassador: Water Diplomacy Is Crucial for World Peace

Olaf Kjelsen, Ambassador of Switzerland to Canada, stated that transboundary water diplomacy is now a central part of global peacebuilding.
He highlighted Switzerland’s role as a neutral and trusted partner helping nations collaborate on shared water challenges. The event, he said, strengthens Canada–Switzerland partnerships and encourages meaningful global action.

UCalgary Drives Innovation Through XPRIZE Canada Hub

UCalgary also leads the XPRIZE Canada Hub, part of the global network addressing major world challenges through competitive innovation.
This includes the $119 million XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, which seeks scalable solutions for affordable seawater desalination.

UCalgary hosted 50 competing teams, helping innovators transform early-stage ideas into validated technologies that can be deployed internationally, aligning with the goals of Blue Peace.

Setting the Stage for the 2026 Canadian Science Diplomacy Summit

This event paves the way for the first Canadian Science Diplomacy Summit in 2026, co-hosted by UCalgary, the Swiss Consulate, and partner universities in collaboration with GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator).

The summit will connect:

• Scientists

• Diplomats

• Policy experts

• Global innovators

Its mission is to transform scientific discoveries into real-world impact, advancing peace, equality, and sustainable development.

Blue Peace Exhibition Continues at UCalgary

The exhibition “Blue Peace: From Water Competition to Collaboration” remains on display in the EEEL lobby until December 12, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the principles and global importance of water diplomacy.