Enhancing water security in the uncertain future: Challenges and opportunities From 27-28 November 2025, the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre), together with the Asian Institute of Technology, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Hydronet Consultants Inc., successfully organized the Transfer Workshop “Enhancing Water Security in the Uncertain Future: Challenges and Opportunities”.

The workshop convened a diverse and dynamic group of researchers, government agencies, practitioners, utilities, international experts, and postgraduate students from the Philippines, Thailand, India, and Germany, all committed to strengthening climate-resilient and inclusive urban water management.

Participants engaged in two intensive days of knowledge exchange on urban water risks, climate impacts, nature-based solutions, nexus approaches, and urban water security assessment tools. Keynote and technical presentations highlighted pressing challenges in Metro Cebu and the wider Southeast Asian region, while offering innovative pathways for resilient and adaptive water management.

Interactive group work and a forward-looking panel discussion brought together voices from government, academia, and the private sector to co-develop actionable recommendations for policy, practice, and research. A major highlight was the hands-on training on the Water Security Assessment Tool (WATSAT), enabling participants to build practical skills in assessing water security at the city scale.

A key outcome of the workshop was the identification of key strategic actions across four priority areas needed to strengthen urban water security and manage climate risks:

An implementation plan for these four strategic action areas is now being developed to guide next steps and support concrete progress in the Philippines and beyond.

During the workshop, the ABCD-Centre team also held meetings with mayors from four local government units in the Philippines, exploring opportunities for collaboration and local-level action to strengthen evidence-based and climate-resilient water management.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our hosts at DOST (Dr. Tristan L. Abando and team), and Hydronet Consultants Inc. (Dr. Danilo Jaque and team) for their warm hospitality and excellent organization. Special appreciation goes to all presenters and panelists, including Mukand Babel, Tristan L. Abando, Danilo Jaque, Mark Pomarca, Daniel Karthe, Chingka Kalai, Dibesh Khadka, Evelyn Taboada, Maria Nenita Jumao-as, Terrence Troy De Guzman, Danish D.R., Asha Verma, Ringo Rocha Reboucas, and many others, whose expertise enriched the workshop.

A heartfelt thank you also to the participants for their active engagement, thoughtful discussions, and commitment to advancing water security in the Philippines and beyond.

This workshop once again underscored the importance of international cooperation, capacity development, and shared learning in building resilient urban futures. We look forward to continued collaboration to strengthen water security for rapidly growing and climate-vulnerable cities across Southeast Asia.