Saudi Arabia and Senegal have urged for stronger international cooperation to tackle the escalating global water crisis, highlighting the critical need for addressing water scarcity, rising demand, and limited access to safe water. This call to action was made during a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly.
Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs, emphasized that water security must be recognized as a pivotal issue intersecting with international security, economic growth, and community resilience. He argued that addressing the global water crisis involves more than just boosting water availability; it requires enhanced governance, technological advancements, improved accessibility, and increased international collaboration.
Saudi Arabia shared insights from its own experience in managing water scarcity, notably through advancements in desalination, technological investments, and the implementation of its National Water Strategy 2030. Al-Rassi’s remarks underscored the importance of learning from successful national strategies to foster global solutions.
Senegal echoed the call for prioritizing water in international policy discussions, noting its growing intersection with issues like climate change, economic development, and social stability. The country highlighted the significance of cooperation over shared water resources, with transboundary water management serving as a model for collaborative problem-solving between nations.
Retno Marsudi, the UN’s special envoy on water, pointed out the slow progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal on water and sanitation. She noted that millions worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities, reinforcing the urgency for coordinated global efforts.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 11th World Water Forum in March 2027. Meanwhile, Senegal and the United Arab Emirates are preparing to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, events that are expected to further advance discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing global water challenges.