Summary

The session underscored the role of partnerships in addressing global change challenges and promoting sustainability. The first speaker discussed how socio-hydrological approaches can help design adaptation and mitigation measures to support sustainable water management in vulnerable riverine islands in Bangladesh, India and Viet Nam. Findings demonstrated that collaborative efforts, combining top-down and bottom-up approaches, are essential to address water insecurity. The second speaker highlighted integrating indigenous knowledge with national commitments to catalyse local adaptation innovations in Nepal, Viet Nam and Fiji. Addressing challenges such as climate impacts, the presentation emphasised the importance of leveraging indigenous knowledge alongside technologies to develop local capacity. The third speaker presented how APN projects on adaptation, loss and damage and risk insurance enhance resilience through regional partnerships. Collaboration supported by clear incentives strengthens resilience and facilitates efficient climate adaptation and disaster reduction strategies. The panel discussion provided in-depth discussion on the significance of knowledge sharing, generating ownership among local stakeholders and co-creating solutions. Mentimeter provided insights into key elements, challenges and innovative strategies for building successful partnerships. These included trust, shared goals, financial resources and capacity building, while challenges included financial constraints, inadequate understanding of local needs, diverse stakeholder objectives and lack of accountability.