In a historic decision, Bangladesh has officially joined the UN Water Convention in 2025, becoming the first South Asian country to do so. This step marks a new era in transboundary water governance, promoting cooperation over shared rivers and lakes. The move reflects Bangladesh’s strategic intent to secure water rights through an international legal framework, especially amid rising regional water challenges.
Bangladesh Becomes First South Asian Nation to Join UN Water Convention 2025
What Is the UN Water Convention?
The UN Water Convention, formally called the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, is a legally binding global treaty focused on the sustainable and fair use of shared water resources.
Key Details:
- Adopted: 1992 in Helsinki
- Came into force: 1996 under the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe)
- Global reach: Open to all UN member states since 2016
The Convention aims to prevent conflicts, promote cooperation, and ensure equitable water use among nations sharing transboundary rivers, lakes, and aquifers.
Key Features of the UN Water Convention
Bangladesh joined the Convention due to its strong governance framework and conflict-resolution mechanisms. Its main features include:
- Cooperative Governance: Encourages shared water management through formal treaties and joint institutions.
- Equitable Utilization Principle: Ensures fair and reasonable water use, while avoiding transboundary harm.
- Conflict Prevention: Provides a structured mechanism to peacefully resolve water-related disputes.
- Supports SDGs: Strengthens progress toward SDG 6.5 (Integrated Water Resources Management), along with SDGs 2, 13, and 16.
- Global Relevance: Countries like Chad, Iraq, Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, Namibia, and Panama have joined, expanding its global importance.
Why Bangladesh Joined the Convention
Bangladesh shares 54 transboundary rivers with India, including the Teesta and Ganga, which are essential for its agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystem balance.
However, delays in the Teesta Agreement and increasing upstream water withdrawals have pushed Bangladesh to seek multilateral legal protection.
Through this Convention, Bangladesh gains:
- A global platform to raise water concerns.
- Access to international water governance mechanisms.
- Alliances with other member countries to strengthen its diplomatic voice.
Impact on India and Regional Water Diplomacy
India has not joined the UN Water Convention and continues to rely on bilateral treaties, such as:
- Indus Waters Treaty (1960) with Pakistan
- Ganga Water Sharing Treaty (1996) with Bangladesh
India prefers bilateral or basin-level negotiations, avoiding global frameworks that may limit its flexibility in handling regional water issues.
Bangladesh’s accession, however, could encourage dialogue and set a precedent for regional cooperation in managing shared water resources more transparently.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Bangladesh became the first South Asian country to join the UN Water Convention (2025).
- The Convention was adopted in 1992 (Helsinki) and came into force in 1996 under UNECE.
- It promotes cooperative and equitable use of transboundary water bodies.
- Bangladesh shares 54 rivers with India, including Teesta and Ganga.
- India is not a member of the Convention; it relies on bilateral treaties.
- The move supports SDG 6.5 and promotes peaceful water management.
Question & Answer
Q1. Which country became the first South Asian nation to join the UN Water Convention in 2025?
(a) India
(b) Sri Lanka
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Nepal
Answer: Bangladesh
Q2. The UN Water Convention was adopted in which year and city?
(a) 1992, Helsinki
(b) 1996, Geneva
(c) 2000, New York
(d) 1985, London
Answer: 1992, Helsinki
Q3. Under which UN body does the Water Convention operate?
(a) UNEP
(b) UNDP
(c) UNECE
(d) UNESCO
Answer: UNECE
Q4. How many transboundary rivers does Bangladesh share with India?
(a) 24
(b) 40
(c) 54
(d) 65
Answer: 54
Q5. Which treaty governs water sharing between India and Bangladesh?
(a) Teesta River Accord
(b) Ganga Water Sharing Treaty
(c) Indus Waters Treaty
(d) Brahmaputra River Agreement
Answer: Ganga Water Sharing Treaty
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