The Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani said that strategic partnerships are crucial for achieving sustainable development in the water sector, both locally and globally. Alshaibani made the remarks during a dialogue session titled "The Power of Partnerships: Unlocking Potential for Sustainable Development" at the WEX Global 2025 in Spain.
The Saudi water sector is undergoing a "qualitative transformation" driven by integration between various stakeholders to enhance efficiency and sustainability, Alshaibani stated. He highlighted Saudi Vision 2030's focus on public-private partnerships as a crucial development driver and noted the establishment of the Saudi Center for International Strategic Partnership in 2017 to coordinate these efforts.
Alshaibani explained that the Kingdom has adopted a "Policy-driven partnership" approach. He added, in 2016, the National Water Strategy developed in collaboration with government agencies, experts, and universities. This collaborative approach has enhanced sector efficiency and led to significant achievements, he said.
Internationally, Saudi Arabia recognizes its global responsibility and actively seeks to foster cooperation on water issues, Alshaibani emphasized. He warned that water scarcity or pollution in any region can have global economic consequences. The Kingdom has launched several initiatives to boost international cooperation. In this context, he highlighted the role of the Saudi Fund for Development in supporting global development projects, noting that it has provided around $6 billion so far to boost infrastructure and promote sustainable development in various countries.
In his concluding remarks, Alshaibani emphasized that to achieve sustainable development, it's essential to establish partnerships with clear goals, defined outcomes, and a shared understanding across various sectors. This approach is vital for making a tangible and lasting impact.