Saudi Arabia Calls for Increased International Efforts to Enhance Integrated Water Resources Management Principles

Saudi Arabia has called for enhanced international cooperation and intensified efforts between countries and organizations to address global water challenges and ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals by providing water and sanitation services for all. This call was made during a speech by the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, at the first preparatory meeting for the 2027 World Water Forum held in Riyadh.

During the meeting, experts and specialists discussed key water issues worldwide, as well as mapped out a plan to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027 in the Middle East for the first time. Al-Fadhli emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to water sector importance and its comprehensive national strategy to optimize water resources through an institutional framework that focuses on water production, transportation, storage, distribution, treatment, reuse, and integrated water resources management.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s regional and international efforts in supporting water issues, including the establishment of the World Water Organization to enhance collaboration among countries and organizations in addressing global water challenges. Additionally, the Kingdom has established an international water research center to lead applied research in areas such as water economics, water security, water pollution, advanced technologies, and digital transformation.

Al-Fadhli urged participants to benefit from global exchange of experiences in integrated water resources management and technological advancements in the sector, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals. President of the World Water Council, Loic Fauchon, stressed the importance of making water a top priority alongside energy, communications, and transportation, emphasizing that the meeting would lay the foundation for water policies in the coming years.

Regarding the World Water Forum 2027 organized by the World Water Council in Saudi Arabia for the first time in the Middle East, it serves as an important international platform for sharing ideas and experiences in water management. It provides an opportunity for cooperation between countries and organizations to discuss and develop international best practices in water management, promote sustainable water resource management, and conservation.

In conclusion, the forum aims to foster collaboration and innovation in addressing global water challenges and achieving sustainable water management and development. It highlights the importance of financial support, innovation, diplomacy, and environmental conservation in finding successful solutions to water problems around the world.