Establish a binding International Water Allocation Treaty (IWAT) that creates a science-based framework for allocating shared river water among riparian nations.

Core components: (1) Hydrological Assessment Protocol — UN-convened hydrology panel conducts independent assessment of annual water availability in each transboundary basin, updated annually to account for climate variability.

(2) Equitable Allocation Formula — water allocated according to: (a) baseline human needs (150 liters/person/day) for all riparian nations, with priority to nations with highest baseline water stress, (b) agricultural water on a proportional land-use basis, (c) environmental flow requirements, (d) remaining water allocated via negotiated treaties.

(3) Water Allocation Court — international arbitration body with binding authority to interpret IWAT, mediate disputes, and enforce compliance. (4) Compensation Mechanism — nations that reduce withdrawal below allocated share receive payments from nations exceeding allocations, creating financial incentives for conservation.

(5) Joint Infrastructure Investment — shared investment in storage, recycling, and efficiency infrastructure to maximize basin yield for all parties.