The United Nations Watercourses Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1997 that aims to promote the sustainable management and protection of transboundary watercourses. It provides a legal framework for countries sharing rivers, lakes, and aquifers to cooperate in the use and conservation of these vital resources, ensuring equitable access and minimizing conflicts. The convention emphasizes principles such as equitable and reasonable utilization, the obligation not to cause significant harm, and the need for prior notification of planned measures affecting shared watercourses. It encourages states to engage in dialogue and collaboration to address water-related challenges, fostering peace and sustainable development.