About Achieving Water Security in Cities: Operationalizing the Integrated Urban Water Security Index (IUWSI) in Bangkok, Jaipur, Hanoi, Islamabad, Beirut, and Madaba Search

This study addresses the persistent gap between knowledge and practice in urban water governance by applying a robust, indicator-based framework—the Integrated Urban Water Security Index (IUWSI)—developed by Dr. Hassan Tolba Aboelnga.

The IUWSI provides a comprehensive, multidimensional tool for diagnosing urban water security. It enables cities to assess vulnerabilities, identify governance and infrastructure gaps, and develop targeted policy and investment responses. Applied across six diverse cities—Bangkok, Jaipur, Hanoi, Islamabad, Beirut, and Madaba—the study offers actionable insights to strengthen urban water resilience and promote inclusive governance.

Objectives

• • • Translate the concept of urban water security into an operational, data-driven framework.

    • Conduct a comparative assessment of urban water security using IUWSI indicators.

    • Map existing urban water strategies against IUWSI dimensions to identify synergies and gaps.

    • Propose an adaptive action framework (IREAP) to address urban water risks.

    • Provide a scalable, replicable model aligned with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation for All).

Study Design

Employing a comparative case study methodology, the research is anchored in the DECS framework—comprising four interdependent dimensions: Drinking Water and Human Well-being, Ecosystem Integrity, Climate Change and Water-Related Hazards, and Socio-Economic Factors.

The DECS framework adopts a systems-thinking lens to evaluate water governance holistically, integrating technical, ecological, and socio-political indicators. Urban water policies, strategies, and implementation plans from each city were mapped and assessed for coherence and effectiveness within the DECS model. This enabled the identification of trade-offs, misalignments, and opportunities for policy enhancement.

Results and Strategic Insights
Through comparative analysis, this study evaluates urban water security conditions in six Asian and Middle Eastern cities using the IUWSI framework. Among the analyzed cities, Hanoi exhibits the highest level of water security, owing to its comprehensive infrastructure planning and implementation.

However, the broader analysis reveals that most cities focus narrowly on water supply and basic sanitation, while neglecting critical dimensions such as ecosystem integrity, climate adaptation, and equity. This fragmented approach risks undermining long-term sustainability.

To address this, the study introduces a refined definition of urban water security that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 and the human rights to water and sanitation. It emphasizes the technical, ecological, and institutional capacities required for credible and inclusive water governance.

The DECS framework enables policymakers to explore interdependencies between urban development and water security, guiding integrated planning and equitable resource allocation. It supports the identification of policy blind spots and encourages the adoption of holistic, future-oriented solutions.

By evaluating the infrastructure and operational practices, the research also offers recommendations to reduce physical losses, a significant component of water losses, through a systematic approach. These recommendations are framed within the Infrastructure, Repair, Economic, Awareness, and Pressure (IREAP) framework, which aims to engage the NRW challenge in a holistic manner and supports cities in addressing inefficiencies across technical, economic, and behavioral dimensions.

Ultimately, this research calls for a paradigm shift—from infrastructure-centric approaches to systems-based strategies that prioritize resilience, social equity, and ecological sustainability. It provides cities with both a diagnostic framework and a strategic planning compass to navigate the complexities of 21st-century urban water challenges.

Strategic Contributions and Leadership Positioning
This study demonstrates the global applicability of the DECS Framework, developed by the lead author, in addressing urban water security across diverse geographies. It reinforces its relevance as a strategic tool for integrated, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban water governance.

The research contributes to high-level dialogues hosted by international platforms such as UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Program (IHP) and International Water Resources Association IWRA. By localizing global goals through evidence-based, context-sensitive models, it enhances the bridge between research, policy, and implementation.

The DECS framework provides a foundation for:

• Policy innovation in regions facing water stress and rapid urbanization

• Capacity building for municipal and national institutions

• Cross-sector partnerships involving academia, private sector, and development actors

This integrated model empowers stakeholders to co-design water systems that are resilient, equitable, and future-ready, while positioning the author as a thought leader in global urban water governance.

Research Publications
Selected publications supporting this study include:

• Aboelnga, H.T., Shehayeb, R., & Abadi, A. (2023). Nexus Assessment of Urban Water Security in the Mediterranean Region: A Case Study of Beirut, Lebanon. In: Water Security and Cities: Integrated Urban Water Management, UNESCO Global Water Security Issues Series, Vol. 4, pp. 235–251.

• Chapagain, K., Aboelnga, H.T., et al. (2022). Urban Water Security: A comparative assessment and policy analysis of five cities in diverse developing countries of Asia. Environmental Development, 43, 100713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2022.100713

• Aboelnga, H. (2022). Water Stress as a Threat to Millions: Challenges and Solutions on the Way to Water Security in the Mediterranean. IEMed, Med Dialogues 2030. Read Online

• Aboelnga, H. (2021). Assessment Framework for Urban Water Security. Kassel University Press. ISBN: 978-3-7376-0960-3

Lead Author
Dr. Hassan Tolba Aboelnga is a distinguished international expert in water security, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. With a foundational background in civil engineering and extensive international leadership experience, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision.

Currently a researcher at TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences in Germany, Dr. Aboelnga specializes in urban water security and integrated water resources management. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kassel, a Master’s in IWRM from TH Köln and the University of Jordan, and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Mansoura University, Egypt.

He has collaborated with major global institutions including the World Bank, UNESCO, GIZ, Union for the Mediterranean, and the League of Arab States, and was instrumental in launching the Arab Climate Knowledge Portal.

His roles include:

• Strategic Advisor, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (AGWA)

• Chair, Urban Water Security Working Group, International Water Resources Association (IWRA)

• Management Committee Member of Specialist Groups at International Water Association.

• Vice-Chair, Middle East Water Forum

Dr. Aboelnga’s work continues to shape international discourse on climate-resilient water governance and sustainability.

About Knowture
This research is part of Knowture, a global digital postgraduate education platform developed by Mansoura University, Egypt. Knowture offers specialized academic programs, applied research initiatives, and training in climate resilience, environmental management, urban development, and public health.

The study exemplifies Knowture’s mission to drive evidence-based, high-impact research that addresses critical global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

📚 Discover more publications and postgraduate offerings at: https://knowture.mans.edu.eg

Keywords
Urban Water Security, Integrated Urban Water Management, IUWSI, DECS Framework, Water Scarcity, Climate Resilience, Non-Revenue Water, Water Governance, SDG 6, Urban Sustainability, Mansoura University, IREAP Strategy

Photos

Course Staff

Dr. Hassan AboElnga

- Coordinator of Iwater program, Cologne University of Applied Science

- Chair of Urban Water Security WG at the International Water Resources Association.