The 15th session of the Arab Ministerial Water Council commenced in Riyadh today, focusing on the shared challenges hindering water security and sustainable development in the Arab region.
Ministers of water and water resources in the Arab countries, along with several regional and international partner organizations, are participating in the session to discuss ways to enhance Arab cooperation in utilizing joint water resources.
Concurrently, the Fifth Arab Water Conference is being held in Riyadh on November 22-23, under the theme "Sustainable development in the Arab region sixth goal: challenges and opportunities."
In his speech, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley expressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering collaborative efforts among Arab states to strengthen water security.
Al-Fadley underscored Saudi Arabia’s support for previous resolutions and initiatives put forth by the Arab Ministerial Water Council.
The minister emphasized the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to tackling challenges within the Arab water sector through collaborative efforts, recognizing the substantial impact of these challenges on regional water security and sustainability. He underscored the significance of unified Arab endeavors within the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), alongside engagement with Arab, regional, and international partner organizations.
Highlighting advancements in implementing decisions, initiatives, and recommendations aimed at bolstering the Arab Strategy for Water Security, designed to address both present challenges and future sustainable development needs, was another focal point of the minister's address.
Moreover, Al-Fadley shed light on the Kingdom’s announcement of establishing the Global Water Organization, to be headquartered in Riyadh, aligning with the objectives outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The minister expressed expectations for the organization to wield significant global influence.
Additionally, the Kingdom submitted a bid to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, aiming to spotlight water challenges confronted by Arab countries and encourage increased Arab participation, the minister affirmed. He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s dedication to aiding global communities and economies in attaining their developmental aspirations.
