Water Agency—A Conceptual Framework and Toolkit for Building Water‐Resilient Communities in Pakistan

ABSTRACT Critically water‐insecure, the cities of Pakistan face grave challenges from climate change. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach is required to resolve our water challenges. The paper explores insights into the given situation through the research methodology of a case study (qualitative research). It signifies the research gap in establishing an interdisciplinary theoretical framework of water agency that brings together individuals, societies, and education, reflecting empowerment for urban communities. It provides for a conceptual framework and an intervention toolkit of voice, choice, and ownership, aligned with the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—SDG 16: Information for integrated Decision‐Making and Participation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and communities, and SDG 17: Capacity Development. Featuring the establishment of water spaces and inclusiveness from community stakeholders, supported through legitimacy, dialogue, and education, the toolkit promotes collaboration with water leadership and mainstream media. Moreover, through tools of persuasion and behavioral change, the model is inclusive of a City Water Resilience Approach (CWRA), which builds resilience against droughts and floods. Henceforth, this paper applies the given proposal to the case of Pakistan. It discusses how the various dimensions of a city can be understood and measured for directing them towards a bottom‐up, top‐down approach, making them sustainable and water‐resilient.