The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed that addressing global water challenges requires moving from discussions to implementing practical solutions. This need strengthening the integration of policies and science, supporting innovation, expanding funding opportunities in the water sector, and developing more efficient and effective international cooperation mechanisms.
KSA also invited countries, policymakers, and experts from around the world to attend the 11th World Water Forum, which Riyadh will host in 2027, with the aim of strengthening partnerships and advancing innovative solutions to build a more sustainable global water future.
The remarks were made during the participation of Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani, Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, who led a high-level Saudi delegation at the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development 2018–2028."
The conference organized by the Government of Tajikistan and the United Nations, held in Dushanbe from May 25 to 28, 2026.
Dr. Alshaibani expressed the Kingdom's appreciation to the Government of Tajikistan for hosting the event and for its efforts to keep water issues at the forefront of the global development agenda. He noted that the world is facing a period in which water challenges are becoming increasingly linked to climate risks, economic development, and food security concerns.
Dr. Alshaibani highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts to transform its water sector under Vision 2030, including restructuring and strengthening governance across the water supply chain, improving management and operational efficiency, expanding water treatment and reuse projects, upgrading infrastructure, and increasing private-sector participation.
The deputy minister further emphasized Saudi Arabia's work to enhancing international cooperation in the water sector. Among the Kingdom's key initiatives is the announcement by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2023 of the establishment of the Global Water Organization and launch of the International Water Research Center during the COP16 conference in Riyadh.
The conference serves as a high-level international platform bringing together governments, international organizations, financial institutions, private-sector representatives, and experts to discuss key water-related challenges and opportunities, strengthen international cooperation, and showcase innovative solutions and voluntary commitments under the global water action agenda.