Saudi Arabia strengthens partnership with World Water Council ahead of Riyadh 2027 Forum

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture took part in a joint committee meeting with the World Water Council to coordinate preparations for the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from March 21 to 25, 2027, under the theme "Action for a Better Tomorrow."

The ministry's delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Water, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, who reviewed the latest developments in forum preparations, ongoing organizational efforts, and discussed the forum’s themes and initiatives. The meeting also explored ways to enhance cooperation and synergy with the World Water Council to ensure the forum’s objectives are achieved.

Additionally, the ministry’s delegation participated in the 94th meeting of the World Water Council Board of Governors, held in Marseille, France, on October 10 and 11, 2026. During the meeting, council members were briefed on Saudi Arabia’s progress in preparations, discussed forum topics and initiatives, and listened to the governors’ perspectives and suggestions regarding priorities and themes, all aimed at developing the forum’s content and boosting its global impact.

Dr. Al-Shaibani emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the water sector, supporting partnerships to address water challenges and achieve sustainability. He noted that 2027 has been designated as the “Year of Water” to highlight the vital role of this resource in sustainable development.

Participation in international conferences to promote water sustainability

On the sidelines of the meetings, the Deputy Minister for Water attended the opening of the 26th International Congress of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the ministerial session, and several specialized sessions. These sessions addressed improving water use efficiency in agriculture, expanding non-traditional water sources, and the role of innovation, financing, and international cooperation in advancing water sustainability.

These engagements are part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen coordination with the World Water Council, broaden international participation in the forum, and build consensus on its priorities and initiatives, supporting the transformation of global water commitments into practical, actionable solutions.