In a significant dialogue on global water issues, prominent officials and leaders from various countries convened to discuss critical challenges faced in the water sector, along with the pivotal role of integrated water management in addressing these challenges. The discussions took place during a ministerial session in Riyadh, coinciding with the signing of the charter for the newly established World Water Organization (WWO). This event saw participation from representatives of eight nations, namely Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Greece, Senegal, Pakistan, and Mauritania.
The session commenced with remarks from the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadly. He stressed the urgency of finding solutions to global water scarcity and quality issues, exacerbated by pollution from human activities and escalating costs associated with water and sanitation projects. Al-Fadly highlighted the WWO’s potential for success, emphasizing that collaboration among member states could foster significant knowledge exchange and shared experiences, which would be beneficial for collective action against water-related challenges.
He also pointed to the pressing need for a reassessment of engineering practices in water projects, advocating for increased support for research and innovation to develop creative solutions to water issues globally. Al-Fadly underscored the necessity of seeking diverse funding sources and involving the private sector in project implementation, noting that reliance solely on governmental funding often hinders progress.
Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subeih bin Abdulmohsen Al-Mukhizeem, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the WWO could play a critical role in bolstering cooperative efforts to tackle water-related challenges. He expressed hope that the organization would expand its influence and become a benchmark for global water policies, driven by collaborative efforts among nations.
Pakistan’s Minister of Water Resources, Muhammad Maeen Wattoo, remarked that the signing of the WWO charter positions the organization as a leader in addressing global water challenges. By coordinating effectively among nations, the WWO could manage water resources with efficiency while promoting equitable access, especially in developing countries. Wattoo emphasized that the organization could bridge gaps in water provision through integrated management practices and enhance member states’ efforts, potentially evolving into a global hub for sharing best practices, research, and innovative technologies.
Senegal’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr. Cheikh Mbacke Gueye, characterized the WWO as more than just a platform; he argued it could significantly influence diplomatic efforts and guide international initiatives towards equitable water distribution through dialogue. He urged the organization to amplify its efforts in Africa, where the water crisis is poised to escalate by 2050.
Moreover, Mauritania’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Amel Bent Maloud, articulated that the establishment of the WWO marks a strategic move at a critical juncture, reflecting a collective awareness of the need for international cooperation and a visionary approach to governing this vital resource. She stressed the importance of creating mechanisms within the organization for swift intervention in global water crises.
Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint Ali, noted that the launch of the WWO represents a significant step towards peace, embodying a long-term strategic vision. She indicated that the organization would serve as a platform for activating international cooperation mechanisms.
Ana Elvira, the Acting Head of the Embassy of Spain in Saudi Arabia, highlighted the necessity of supporting international collaborative efforts and sharing expertise to optimize water resources among nations. She pointed out that the WWO’s establishment is a crucial step toward better governance of water worldwide, urging that the water agenda should be prioritized and calling for consensus to achieve common goals effectively.
Finally, Alexis Konstantopoulos, Greece’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, expressed his country’s readiness to contribute and share its expertise in confronting water challenges on an international scale, reflecting a commitment to collaborative resolutions in the face of a global crisis that impacts millions.
This ministerial gathering not only reaffirmed the critical need for innovative and collaborative approaches to global water management but also set the stage for the WWO to emerge as a transformative entity in fostering international cooperation on this pressing issue. The alignment of diverse nations around a common goal highlights the growing recognition of water management as a fundamental component of sustainable development and global stability.
