Water as a Strategic Lever for Security, Development and Cooperation: the One Water Committee at the ANBI National Assembly

Water is today one of the foremost strategic challenges for sustainable development, territorial security and international cooperation. This was the central theme at the National Assembly of ANBI (National Association of Consortia for Land and Irrigation Water Management), attended by One Water Committee President Maria Spena.

During the panel "The Italian Water Model: an Asset to Export", President Spena joined Massimo Gargano, Director General of ANBI, Francesco Nazzaro, Head of Cabinet of the Metropolitan City of Rome, Roberto Diacetti, Director General of the ENPAIA Foundation, and Fabrizio Curcio, Extraordinary Commissioner for the Reconstruction of the territories of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Marche affected by the 2023 flooding events.

In her address, Maria Spena underlined that Rome will host the first Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, which from 29 September to 2 October 2026 will bring together institutional representatives, international organisations, businesses, research institutions and stakeholders from 43 countries across the Euro-Mediterranean region, with the objective of building concrete dialogue on the major challenges of water security.

Drawing on the historical role of water in the development of civilisations, the President highlighted how the contribution of ANBI and the Land Reclamation Consortia will be central to the Forum's proceedings, through thematic sessions, workshops and dedicated exchanges on sustainable water resource management, infrastructure and climate resilience.

The debate also reaffirmed the value of investments made in recent years to strengthen the national water system, with particular reference to the construction of reservoirs and infrastructure regeneration interventions, which have helped address the consequences of drought in several areas of the country and increase capacity to adapt to climate change.

Concluding her address, President Spena identified community, cooperation and interconnection as the three principles that will also guide the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, confirming the initiative's ambition to make Italy a place for dialogue and the joint development of shared solutions for the future of water resources in the Mediterranean.