The interconnectedness between food, land, and water resources is evident where the use of one resource could generate externalities for others. The uncertainties around global markets challenge economies in the global south and climate change further exacerbates the urgent need for integrated management of natural resources and optimized investments and interventions. Moreover, the interconnections of natural resources and the biophysical environment influence the livelihoods and income of land and water users. Therefore, the partial or complete absence of coherence between sectoral public policies and inter-institutional linkages hampers the ability to address key interdependencies between food, land, and water resources and the three pillars of sustainable development: environment, economy, and society. The study offers an analysis of coherent water productivity policies between the different relevant strategies in Egypt towards a potential coordinated and integrated policy environment contributing to water and food security and sustainable development. Accordingly, it presents the synergies and trade-offs between policy objectives and instruments and the existing stakeholdersapos; cross-coordination mechanisms, which are significant for enhancing policy coherence.

Central Asia faces substantial water scarcity due to increasing water demand driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, economic development, and inefficiency of irrigated agriculture. These developments are compounded by the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, loss of glacier mass and increased frequency of extreme events, including droughts. The region’s escalating water scarcity is causing disputes and straining rural livelihoods. Moreover, these challenges drive migration, creating considerable societal impacts. However, these issues remain underexplored in climate change research, making the region a global blind spot in climate adaptation and migration studies. We advocate for innovative research pathways that scrutinize smallholder adaptation strategies, examine the nexus between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility, and investigate tensions and cooperation over water resources. We conclude by emphasizing that substantial investments in inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, improved data availability and quality, and strengthening of research and institutional capacities are essential to advance interdisciplinary climate impact research in Central Asia. Such efforts are vital for addressing existing knowledge gaps and enhancing evidence-based policymaking to improve the region’s position in current and future debates on climate change and sustainable development.

The Circular BioEconomy Innovation Hub was launched in mid-2023 to create awareness and offer training and research opportunities on proper waste management and recycling for a circular economy and environmental protection. The report provides a first MELIA assessment of the ongoing setup of the Hub in Ghana with special reference to its first major activity, a school awareness program for so far over 12500 students. The report is based on mutually agreed progress indicators. Key learning areas (including challenges and possible solutions to address these) are being flagged and discussed.