# Chicago City Water and the Great Lakes Conference - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/04/chicago-city-water-and-the-great-lakes-conference/ - Published: 2015-04-29T01:33:12-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Global Mayors Unite Over Shared Water Challenges In April 2015, mayors from Chicago and other cities across the Great Lakes and the Middle East gathered for a groundbreaking moment on water. At the [Water after Borders](https://web.archive.org/web/20180824194441/http://www.freshwaterlab.org:80/) conference, they signed a pioneering agreement to promote water security, diplomacy, and cooperation across regions facing serious water stress. Although their geographies differ dramatically, these leaders share common concerns: dwindling freshwater supplies, pollution, and the rising pressure of urban growth. This pact aimed to build a bridge between regions separated by distance but [united](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/04/chicago-city-water-and-the-great-lakes-conference/) by a single critical resource—water. ## The Power of a Shared Commitment Held at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the event brought together municipal leaders, policy experts, and water justice advocates. UIC’s Freshwater Lab organized the conference, with support from a coalition of academic institutions and civic groups. Mayors from cities bordering the Great Lakes—including Chicago, Milwaukee, and Duluth— joined counterparts from Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories. The pact emphasized mutual learning, open dialogue, and joint problem-solving, even among politically complex regions. As a result, the agreement marked a shift away from competition toward shared governance and cooperation over critical water resources. ![Map showing cities from the great lakes chicago milwaukee duluth and the middle east amman tel aviv yafo and a palestinian city involved in a water cooperation pact](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/3CD942BA-9A22- 4CD4-B23B-C57AC86DDFF9.png?resize=780%2C520&quality=50&ssl=1 "Map showing cities from the Great Lakes (Chicago, Milwaukee, Duluth) and the Middle East (Amman, Tel Aviv-Yafo, and a Palestinian city) involved in a water cooperation pact. - The Green Living Guy") Mayors from the Great Lakes and the Middle East signed a historic agreement in Chicago to promote water diplomacy and shared urban water solutions ### Water Knows No Borders Despite political tensions and vast cultural differences, the conference drove home one essential truth: water knows no borders. Pollution in one city affects another. Overuse upstream impacts communities downstream. Whether in Jordan’s arid valleys or along Lake Michigan’s urban shoreline, water access and quality shape public health, economic development, and even peace. Consequently, these mayors acknowledged that localized problems demand global collaboration. Their pact also underscored the value of urban diplomacy. Cities, often sidelined in international negotiations, now have a seat at the table. That’s key, especially since cities are on the front lines of climate change and water scarcity. ### Key Focus Areas of the Pact The agreement addressed several shared priorities: 1. Urban Water Infrastructure: From aging pipes in Detroit to water loss in Amman, cities need investment and innovation to modernize their water systems. 2. Equity and Access: All participants agreed that clean, affordable water is a human right—not a privilege. 3. Data Sharing and Research: Cities pledged to collaborate on data collection, mapping, and sustainable policy planning. 4. Youth Engagement and Education: By investing in the next generation of water stewards, cities hope to foster long-term resilience. ### A Chicago Milestone with Global Impact Chicago served as a fitting backdrop for this agreement. The city has long wrestled with water equity and pollution, from reversing the Chicago River to managing lead service lines. Yet it also boasts cutting-edge research and strong civic advocacy. By hosting this cross-border dialogue, Chicago positioned itself as a leader in municipal water diplomacy. Its experience offered valuable insights to both domestic and international counterparts. More importantly, the event showed how cities, not just nations, can take real action to tackle global water crises. ### Turning Words into Action Now, the challenge lies in implementing the pact’s goals. The Freshwater Lab and its partners committed to providing ongoing support, research tools, and funding strategies. Still, collaboration won’t be easy. Political conflict, resource limitations, and climate volatility will continue to test this agreement. Yet the mayors left the conference with a renewed sense of urgency and solidarity. And although they come from different worlds, they left Chicago aligned under one vision: safeguarding City water for people and the planet. ### Conclusion: Cities Leading the Way on Water Security The 2015 “Water After Borders” conference marked a rare and hopeful moment. Mayors from vastly [different regions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/lake-ontario-water-safety-new-epa-measures-unveiled/) came together, not in debate—but in partnership. By signing a pact focused on water cooperation, they highlighted the urgent need for diplomacy, innovation, and equity in global water management. As freshwater grows scarcer and climate threats increase, it’s cities that must step up. Fortunately, as Chicago showed, they’re already doing just that. Sources 1. [UIC Freshwater Lab](https://freshwaterlab.org/) 2. [Chicago Council on Global Affairs – Water Diplomacy](https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/) Chicago, April 7, 2015 ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. 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