This thematic overview paper (TOP) explores current thinking about conflict management in the water and sanitation sector. Reviews different options for conflict management, putting special emphasis on mediation to encourage dialogue and shared action to resolve many water supply and sanitation conflicts.

The TOP addresses the following issues: What do we mean by conflict?; Prevailing problems and key actors in the water and sanitation sector and some of their interests; Approaches to conflict management and resolution; The concept of mediation, and the role of facilitation, and the post mediation process; and The mediator: skills and techniques needed for conflict mediation.