The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is leading the Integrated Solutions for Water, Energy, and Land (ISWEL) project.

The Nexus Game gave participants a unique opportunity to get an insight into challenges of water management for energy and food production, while sustaining environmental flows. The aim of the game is thus to provide an opportunity for practicing how different water management policies can lead to sustainable development of society in harmony with nature. Participants strove to address water needs of population, industry and agriculture, at the same time facing challenges of climate change. The game is designed to demonstrate many interconnected Water-Food-Energy Nexus challenges.

The players took on the roles of policymakers in two countries that have access to the same river. They have to match the increasing water demand with adequate supply. In order to achieve this goal, effective collaboration and information exchange must be established between stakeholders both within and across the borders. Since the goals of both countries overlap, the game provides an opportunity for practicing conflict resolution and cooperation at the international level. The Nexus Game provides players with a strategic overview of interconnections between water and energy in the context of security and sustainability at the transboundary level. 

The Integrated Solutions for Water, Energy, and Land (ISWEL) stakeholder scenario development approach was presented.