Riyadh: During the opening of the fifth session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water, themed "From Vision to Impact," Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of strengthening efforts to support water resources management, water projects, and infrastructure. It emphasized the importance of moving from the planning and visioning phase to achieve tangible, measurable results that will enhance water security and advance sustainable development across the OIC members.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this came during the opening remarks by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, who stressed the need for stronger efforts among OIC member states. Alfadley pointed out that water security is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and the health of people, noting that growing global challenges, such as population growth, climate change, and water scarcity, are placing significant pressure on OIC countries. To address these challenges, he stressed the need to improve water efficiency, develop infrastructure, and provide the necessary funding for water resource management.
The minister commended the financing efforts of the Islamic Development Bank and other financial institutions to support water programs and implement the OIC's 2012 vision, the achievements of the fourth session of the conference in Cairo in 2018, and the 2025 Program of Action adopted by the 13th Islamic Summit Conference in Istanbul. He emphasized that the conference represents a shared commitment to conserving water for future generations.
Alfadley explained that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has adopted integrated and effective solutions for water management, including the development of a comprehensive national strategy, the adoption of the Water Law as a legislative framework, and the mitigation of climate change impacts. These achievements have been documented by the United Nations in the status of Integrated Water Resources Management, which was launched in New York.
The minister commended the announcement by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to establish the Global Water Organization (GWO), headquartered in Riyadh, as an international platform to mobilize efforts and address water challenges, calling on countries to join it. Continuing its international role, Alfadley noted that the Kingdom will host the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh in 2027, calling on all member states and partners to actively participate in formulating a shared vision and practical steps to address global water challenges.
OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs and Acting Secretary-General Ambassador Samir Bakr emphasized the organization's dedication to enhancing water security, sustainable management, and climate adaptation. He praised Saudi Arabia's innovative leadership and its efforts to foster global collaboration, particularly through the establishment of the GWO in Riyadh. Additionally, he brought attention to the severe water scarcity crisis and the damage to infrastructure in Gaza and Palestine, urging for increased humanitarian efforts to secure access to safe drinking water and sanitation services.