RIYADH, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia on Monday called for strengthened global cooperation to address water issues and promote sustainable water management at the 11th World Water Forum kickoff meeting.

The meeting marked the start of preparatory events leading up to the main forum in 2027, which Saudi Arabia will host -- the first time the international event will be held in the Middle East.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, stressed the urgency of international collaboration to tackle growing global water challenges. He highlighted the importance of ensuring universal access to water and sanitation, a key pillar in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

"Saudi Arabia prioritizes the water sector through various measures, including the adoption of a national strategy encompassing water production, storage, transportation, distribution, treatment, and reuse, all within a comprehensive institutional framework," Al-Fadley said.

Also speaking at the forum, Wu Wenqing, chief planner at China's Ministry of Water Resources, warned that progress toward SDG 6 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains significantly behind expectations. He called for renewed global consensus and deeper cooperation.

Wu outlined China's approach to water governance, citing the country's efforts since 2014 to implement a system built on water conservation, balanced spatial planning, systematic management, and synergy between government and market mechanisms.

Loic Fauchon, president of the World Water Council, stressed the need to make water a top global priority, adding that this gathering will lay the foundation for future water policies.

The World Water Forum 2027, organized by the World Water Council in Saudi Arabia, is a significant international platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in water management. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)