Water security a strategic priority for GCC states, says Al-Budaiwi

Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, has said that water security is a strategic priority for GCC countries. He emphasized that it is not only an environmental challenge, but is directly linked to human security, economic prosperity, food security, and energy security, making it a fundamental pillar for stable and resilient societies.

Al-Budaiwi made these remarks during his participation in the session “Water as a Strategic Necessity: From Global Challenges to Collective Action,” organized by the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations on Friday, September 25, 2026. The event was held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, USA.

At the start of his speech, Al-Budaiwi expressed his appreciation to the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the UN for organizing this important dialogue and for its efforts to keep water issues at the forefront of the international agenda.

The Secretary-General explained that water scarcity has posed a persistent challenge to the Gulf region for decades. However, it has also driven GCC states to innovate, invest, enhance cooperation, and pursue long-term planning. He highlighted the extensive expertise gained by GCC countries in water desalination, reuse, demand management, and the adoption of innovative technologies, as well as efforts to strengthen the links between water security, energy and food security, climate resilience, and sustainable economic development.

Al-Budaiwi noted that technology alone is not sufficient to achieve water security, stressing the importance of regional cooperation and joint action. He pointed to the mechanisms, policies, and joint programs developed by GCC states to enhance water security, and referenced ongoing efforts to explore and develop regional water interconnection projects to boost supply security, collective preparedness, and emergency response to water crises.

The Secretary-General also highlighted that challenges related to climate change, population growth, economic shifts, and rising demand for natural resources are placing increasing pressure on water systems worldwide. He stressed that shared water challenges require collective solutions, and that cooperation in this field helps build trust, reduce common vulnerabilities, create economic opportunities, and promote stability.

Al-Budaiwi underscored the importance of leveraging innovation and modern technologies—including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart water management, and renewable energy—to enhance efficiency and resilience. He called for the development of financing models that bring together governments, development institutions, research centers, and the private sector, enabling promising solutions to be transformed into scalable and investable projects and infrastructure.

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