Egypt stresses the need to shift from drought crisis response to proactive prevention
Cairo, Aug 25 (KUNA) -- Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sweilam, stated that drought represents one of the most pressing global challenges, emphasizing the need to shift from crisis response to proactive prevention, strengthen early warning systems, and promote integrated water and land management.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said in a statement on Tuesday that these remarks were part of Egypt’s address delivered by Minister Sweilam during the ministerial segment of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. In his speech, Sweilam outlined Egypt’s vision for addressing the challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought.
He stressed that land degradation, desertification, and drought are no longer merely environmental challenges; they directly impact food and water security, livelihoods, and economic and social stability.
Sweilam explained that Egypt views water and land as interconnected components of a single system, and that addressing these challenges requires integrated water and land management to enhance water-use efficiency, promote rainwater harvesting, protect groundwater resources, encourage water reuse, and support the restoration of ecosystems and their resilience.
He also underscored the importance of moving from commitments to actual implementation by providing financial resources and clear institutional mechanisms, and by adopting innovative financing tools that ensure support reaches the most affected countries and communities, particularly developing and African nations, while strengthening sustainable investments and public-private partnerships.
Sweilam said Egypt looks forward to making tangible progress toward establishing a legally binding protocol on drought, which would provide a clear foundation for collective action, enhance international solidarity, and support the most affected countries in building their capacity for prevention, preparedness, and response to the impacts of drought.
Regarding shared and transboundary water resources, Sweilam emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among riparian states and governing these resources in accordance with international law, ensuring mutual benefit, preventing harm to any party, and supporting regional development, cooperation, and integration.
In this context, he affirmed that cooperation, adherence to clear and binding rules, and respect for the rights and interests of all countries constitute the true foundation for achieving sustainable development and shared benefits.
He highlighted Egypt’s commitment to continuing work with all parties to protect natural resources, enhance the sustainability of water and land, and support the most affected communities, expressing hope that the current session will yield practical and ambitious outcomes that will be built upon when Egypt hosts the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP18) in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2028. (End) A.S.M. / N.B.S.
