International law related to transboundary freshwater serves three basic functions: (1) it defines and identifies the legal entitlements and rights and obligations tied to water use, providing the prescriptive parameters for its development; (2) it provides a framework for ensuring the continuous integrity of the regime, i.e. through monitoring, regulation, compliance, stakeholder participation, dispute avoidance and settlement; and (3) it allows for rational modifications of the existing regime, in order to be able to adapt to the constantly changing needs and circumstances.

The purpose of the Workshop will be to explore these three functions of international law within the context of existing and potential challenges faced by transboundary basins (rivers, lakes and aquifers) throughout the world. It will benefit from the collective knowledge and expertise of world-renowned speakers, all of whom have a "real world" focus.