Minister of Irrigation: Cairo Water Week is an international platform bringing together decision-makers, experts, and international organizations

Cairo – Hanaa Sayed: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hany Suleiman, affirmed that the Cairo Water Week constitutes one of the most important mechanisms for implementing the international cooperation pillar within the second generation of the Egyptian Water System 2.0. This is due to its provision of an international platform that brings together decision-makers, experts, international organizations, and development partners from various countries around the world, thereby contributing to the exchange of expertise, strengthening cooperation, and supporting international efforts to address water challenges and achieve sustainable development.

The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation followed up on the preparations for the annual World Conference, the Ninth Cairo Water Week, scheduled to take place from October 25 to 29. This review was based on a report presented by Engineer Walid Haqiqi, Head of the Planning Sector and Executive Director of the Week, which outlined progress made across various preparatory axes.

The report indicated significant progress in preparations for the scientific conference, noting that the Scientific Committee has completed the first phase of evaluating research abstracts. Currently, extended abstracts and full papers are being received in preparation for completing the peer-review process and selecting participating research papers.

The technical program is also witnessing an expansion in cooperation with international and regional partners to organize specialized sessions, with ongoing efforts to add more events discussing key water issues.

In line with enhancing international participation, 133 official invitations have been sent to representatives from various countries worldwide. The organizing committee has so far received responses from 13 countries, with coordination continuing with governments and international organizations.

The report also outlined developments in competitions supporting youth and researchers. Specifically, 167 participants registered for the “Youth Innovators” competition, 117 projects were submitted for the “Al-Qad” competition, and 37 participants entered the “Three-Minute Thesis” competition. Meanwhile, registration for the “Best Graduation Projects” competition will open on August 15.

The Week is scheduled to host a number of high-level regional and international events, including the Seventh Arab Water Conference, taking place from October 26 to 27 under the theme “Water in the Arab Region: Partnerships for Peace and Sustainable Development.” This conference will discuss issues such as water use efficiency, governance of shared resources, innovative financing, non-conventional resources, and smart water management.

Additionally, the Week will host a high-level international event on water security, organized by the World Water Council in cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China. It will also feature the final preparatory session for the 2026 UN Water Conference, as well as coordination for a session within the “Road to Riyadh 2027” pathway in collaboration with the organizers of the 11th World Water Forum.

The Ninth Cairo Water Week will also host the final preparatory session for the 2026 UN Water Conference, bringing together the chairs of Interactive Dialogues 2, 3, and 5. The aim is to coordinate priorities, enhance coherence among dialogue pathways, and formulate joint messages and recommendations that contribute to supporting the outcomes of the UN Water Conference.

Furthermore, coordination is underway with the organizers of the 11th World Water Forum in Saudi Arabia and the World Water Council to organize a special session within the Week’s activities, as part of the “Road to Riyadh 2027” pathway. This initiative aims to enhance the continuity of international dialogue and ensure the integration of the Cairo Water Week’s outcomes with the work of the 11th World Water Forum.

Dr. Suleiman emphasized the ongoing periodic monitoring of all organizational and technical preparations to ensure that the ninth edition of the Cairo Water Week is conducted in a manner befitting the event’s international standing, reflecting Egypt’s leading role in supporting international dialogue on water issues and enhancing regional and international cooperation in this field.