On the sidelines of the Tenth World Water Forum, His Excellency Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Alfadley the head of the Kingdom's delegation participating in the forum, held meetings with the Director-General of the Environment Department of the European Commission, the Global Director for the World Bank Group's Water Global Practice, the Deputy Minister of the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge in Spain, the representative of the Ministries of Infrastructure and the Environment and Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Kingdom of the Netherlands as well as the representative of the Prime Minister of Singapore the Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
During these meetings, His Excellency Alfadley stressed the need to tackle water challenges and exchange experiences to enhance technological advancements, innovation, research, and best practices for addressing global water issues.
Alfadley mentioned the objectives of the Global Water Organization, an initiative launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which aims to ensure water abundance and foster concerted efforts for a safe and sustainable water future for all. Alfadley emphasized the importance of enhancing partnerships and international cooperation to tackle global water challenges and encouraging countries to join the organization.
Minister Alfadley also highlighted Saudi Arabia's advancements in water conservation, desalination technologies, and water management and best practices, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Officials from those countries and organizations involved in the meetings referred to Saudi Arabia's progress in the water sector and its leadership in global initiatives within this sector.
Alfadley also discussed cooperation in water and environmental issues. Additionally, he covered Saudi Arabia's preparations for hosting the 11th World Water Forum 2027 in Riyadh under the theme "Action for a Better Tomorrow." As well as the preparations for the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) which will take place in Riyadh, from 2 to 13 December 2024.
The 10th World Water Forum will highlight several topics such as water security and prosperity; water for humans and nature; disaster risk reduction and management; governance, cooperation, and hydro-diplomacy; sustainable water finance; and knowledge and innovation.