Cairo:Saudi Arabia emphasized the need for improved water management and strengthened regional collaboration to tackle the challenges facing the Arab water sector during the 17th session of the Arab Ministerial Water Council in Egypt.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the meeting took place alongside Cairo Water Week, which is held from October 24 to 29 under the theme "Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity, and a Sustainable Planet."
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Alfadley, highlighted the importance of effective water management at both national and regional levels as a key driver of stability. He pointed out that transforming water-related challenges into opportunities could drive prosperity in the region.
Alfadley addressed the numerous challenges confronting the Arab water sector, including water scarcity, limited replenishment of resources, demand management difficulties, climate change, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. He also noted the technical expertise and practical experience that Arab countries have developed over the years, which could serve as a foundation for better water resource management and security.
The minister stressed that sound water management, supported by governance, policies, innovation, and financing, creates an environment conducive to attracting investment and generating jobs within the water sector and related industries. This approach also helps preserve water as a national asset and expands investment opportunities across economic, social, and environmental sectors.
Alfadley highlighted the global priority of ensuring access to safe, clean water and sanitation services, acknowledging that there remains a gap in achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6. He stated that Saudi Arabia has prioritized the water sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, adopting the National Water Strategy and restructuring the sector with clear roles and targets along the water supply chain.
Saudi Arabia has also fostered private-sector investment in the water sector, with investments exceeding SAR56 billion. Alfadley encouraged participants to support international initiatives led or backed by Saudi Arabia, such as the Global Water Organization and the International Water Research Center.
Additionally, the minister invited participants to engage in the 11th World Water Forum, to be hosted in Riyadh from March 21 to 25, 2027, and announced the opening of registration on the forum's official website.