المملكة: The Kingdom stresses the importance of integration between Islamic Cooperation countries for the sustainability of the water sector
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stressed the importance of strengthening joint efforts to support the management of water resources and water and infrastructure projects in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, stressing the importance of moving from the planning stage and setting visions to achieving tangible results that contribute to Enhancing water security and achieving sustainable development in the OIC countries.
This came during the speech of His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli, at the opening of the fifth session of the OIC Ministers’ Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water under the slogan "From vision to impact" In Jeddah today. With the participation of a number of ministers and specialists in water affairs in the organization.
Efforts to strengthen water infrastructure
Minister Al-Fadhli indicated that achieving water security constitutes a basic foundation for sustainable development, and a major tributary to the health and well-being of peoples, noting that population and economic growth Climate change imposes increasing challenges among the countries of the organization, most notably the high demand for water and the increasing rates of drought, floods, and natural disasters, in addition to the scarcity and scarcity of water resources that many of the organization’s countries suffer from, which requires work to raise the efficiency of water use, develop infrastructure, and provide the necessary funding to enhance the management of water resources and improve their services.
And the price His Excellency Minister Al-Fadhli, the efforts made by the Islamic Development Bank and other financial institutions to finance water infrastructure and programmes, and the implementation of the vision of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the field of water issued in 2012 AD, and the practical steps achieved at the Cairo Conference in its fourth session in 2018 AD, to activate its mechanisms, in addition to the work program for the year 2025 AD, which was adopted by the Thirteenth Islamic Summit Conference in Istanbul, which outlined the features of cooperation in managing water resources, and enhancing the exchange of Experience and knowledge; To confront the challenges facing the organization’s countries, to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation services for all, noting that the conference embodies the joint commitment to work towards Water conservation; To ensure its sustainability and the development of its resources for future generations.
The Kingdom’s Water Management Strategy
Engineer Al-Fadhli explained that the Kingdom has worked to adopt integrated and effective solutions for water management; It developed a comprehensive water strategy at the national level, which works to integrate trends, policies, legislation and practices in the water sector. It also approved the water system to be a pioneering legislative and regulatory framework, in addition to supporting innovation in technical solutions and reducing the effects of climate change and the risks associated with it. The United Nations documented these achievements in the Integrated Water Management Case Study Report issued in New York this year. This year, His Excellency praised the announcement by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect him – of the establishment of the World Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh. To be a leading international platform that contributes to mobilizing efforts and international organizations to address water challenges from an integrated perspective, calling on all countries to join this organization to support their efforts in achieving a safe and sustainable water future.
Water Forum in Riyadh
In continuation of its international efforts, Al-Fadhli confirmed that the Kingdom is hosting – in cooperation with the World Water Council – the eleventh session of the World Water Forum in 2017. 2027 AD in the city of Riyadh, under the slogan "Working for a better tomorrow"This hosting comes as an extension of its role in addressing water issues in various parts of the world, and in an effort to develop strategic plans that guarantee water security, strengthen partnerships with global and scientific institutions, and support capacity building at various levels.
He called on all member states, partner international institutions and organizations, and the private sector, to participate in enriching the work of the forum, and to contribute to formulating a common vision and practical, implementable steps; To face water challenges.
For his part, the Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Jerusalem Affairs, in charge of the duties of Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, His Excellency Ambassador Samir Bakr, in a speech he delivered at the conference today, affirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening collective efforts in the areas of water security, sustainable management, and building capacity to adapt to climate change among member states.
Ambassador Bakr expressed his appreciation For the wise leadership of the Kingdom and its pioneering role in enhancing global cooperation in the field of water security, praising in particular the establishment of the Global Water Organization (GWO) in Riyadh, which placed water issues at the heart of the global agenda, and contributed to stimulating innovation, research and development of sustainable solutions, noting that water scarcity has reached a critical stage in Gaza in particular and Palestine in general and the infrastructure has been subjected to great destruction, calling To intensify humanitarian efforts to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation services there.
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