Arab League Secretary-General: Addressing water scarcity challenges requires concerted collective action based on enhancing cooperation

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Nabil Fahmy, emphasized the importance of strengthening Arab water security in light of the region’s challenges, including water resource scarcity, droughts, desertification, and rising temperatures. The Arab League stated in a press release that this came during a meeting on Monday between Fahmy and Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hany Suleiman, aimed at promoting avenues for enhancing Arab cooperation in the field of water security. The statement added that Fahmy stressed during the meeting that addressing water scarcity challenges requires concerted collective action based on strengthening cooperation and leveraging commonalities and shared interests among Arab states. He clarified that both sides reviewed ongoing preparations for upcoming Arab and international events, including the 17th session of the Arab Water Ministers Council and the 7th Arab Water Conference, scheduled for October next year. He also pointed to preparations for the United Nations Water Conference to be held in Abu Dhabi in December next year, as well as the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled to take place in Riyadh next year. According to the statement, both sides agreed to continue coordination and consultation in the coming phase to support Arab efforts aimed at addressing water challenges and enhancing the sustainable management of water resources.